PALMETTO, Fla. (WFLA) — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of gravesite vandalism after numerous burial plots were vandalized.

Deputies said they found 17 gravesites at the Old Memphis Cemetery on 25th Street showing signs of damage, with headstones being broken or toppled over, gravesites being spray-painted, and the concrete being damaged.

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“I’m angry. Elected officials need to make sure something gets done about this. Law enforcement needs to make sure there’s a full investigation,” said Tracy Washington, who has family at the cemetery.

The vandalism is believed to have happened during or before March 2026. No remains have been removed from the graves, from what detectives have found.

According to the Historical Marker Database, Old Memphis Cemetery is known for being the resting place for many Black Americans who worked in the area’s farms, groves and packing houses.

It was full in 1977 and entered under the county government’s care in 1988.

The New Memphis Cemetery now serves as a public cemetery for those who cannot afford a plot.

“Turn yourself in because it’s not right what you did,” said Stacey Sailes-Rhodes, who has family at the cemetery.

No arrests have been made in the case at this time. If you have information on the incident, call the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office at (941) 747-3011. Anonymous tips can be eligible for a cash reward by calling Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or visiting ManateeCrimeStoppers.com.

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