03/09/2020
We are back!! After a long holiday - we are back. The Legend and Lore Event that was cancelled in October because of rain - was scheduled to be held on March 28. But, we have decided to reschedule the event for next October.
The cemetery recently had destructive vandalism to several graves. Unfortunately, the person(s) creating the problem are continuing to vandalize graves. They have been selective on which graves they vandalize - therefore, it has been considered a hate crime. The county sheriff's office is involved and when the person(s) is apprehended they will go away for a long time. Progress has been made in catching this person(s).
The type of vandalism has been multiple: Stealing the American flag - 3 times, along with the flagpole, stealing over 200 American flags placed at the graves of Veterans, stealing landscaping plants, destroying an outdoor, heavy duty bench, stealing flowers from graves, spray painting many headstones, and writing messages on graves - these last acts of vandalism have indicated hate crimes.
State of Florida Statute 872.02: Injuring or removing tomb or monument; disturbing contents of graves or tomb; penalties. This statute explains the intent and considers this vandalism(s) a felony
If you have family buried in the cemetery, you should visit the cemetery and see if your graves were involved. Several community members have been very helpful in trying to clean the "mess" and restore the dignity of the grave sites.
You are encouraged to drive through the cemetery at various times and report any unusual activity. Please call David Baily at 850-982-1804 to report any suspicions. The cemetery board and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Department will follow up.
Thank you for anything you can do to help with keeping the Historic Bagdad Cemetery a place of rest and peace for loved ones.
