FLAGLER ESTATES, Fla. – “Power poles have feelings, too.”
That’s the wording of a hashtag created by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, which tweeted a photo of a damaged pole, warning that the vandalism could lead to a dangerous situation.
“You know there are lots of reasons to not be shooting at the power lines,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.
The photo, posted Friday, shows a power pole in the Flagler Estates subdivision that is spray-painted and has holes chiseled in its base. Staly said he believes people are shooting at the structures.
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Deputies said there was “extensive property damage” to the poles, which are owned by Florida Power & Light.
“People shooting at power poles can wipe out an entire community, they can start fires out there you know there’s a wooded area,” Staly said.
It’s not known how many poles have been vandalized. Staly said Flagler Estates is a unique situation. The community is spread across both St. Johns and Flagler counties. He said because Flagler Estates borders the county line there is less policing.
“People have discovered because there is minimal policing, they can go out there and party, they can go out there and target shoot, and FPL transmission lines seem to be a big target for whatever reason,” Staly said.
One way both counties are looking to crack down on criminal mischief is by giving both St. Johns deputies and Flagler deputies authority on either side of Flagler Estates.
“We have deputies that work our agriculture side, and so does St. Johns. I’ve sworn in the St. Johns county deputies, Sheriff Hardwick swore in the Flagler deputies that work in our agriculture unit so that we’re trying to tame the wild west out there if you will,” Staly said.
Staly said depending on each case if you’re caught vandalizing a power pole, there could be several charges.
“If they aren’t supposed to possess a firearm or whatever they have, that could be another crime, you have trespassing so there are multiple crimes being committed,” Staly said.
Authorities said deputies will increase patrols and surveillance in the area to deter further criminal activity.
Anyone with information leading to the arrest of those involved in damaging the power poles is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 383-313-4911 or email TIPS@flaglersheriff.com while referencing case 23-36517.
Hey! What did these poles ever do to you??
— Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (@FlaglerSheriff) April 21, 2023
The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is investigating a report of extensive property damage to power poles owned by FP&L within the #FlaglerEstates subdivision.
While it may just look like some spray paint and holes, continued damage… pic.twitter.com/HvsyHxtbYZ
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