The Brief
- The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after vandals damaged 17 graves at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto.
- Headstones were knocked over, concrete was cracked, and red spray paint was splattered all over graves.
- Manatee County has put plans in place for extensive repairs and added security measures.
PALMETTO, Fla. – A historic cemetery in Palmetto is now at the center of a disturbing vandalism investigation after families discovered damaged graves and graffiti across the property.
What we know:
Cracked concrete, broken gravesites and red spray paint could be seen throughout Old Memphis Cemetery on Tuesday.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office says 17 graves were vandalized at the 122-year-old burial ground, tied to the local Black community.…