'Trump' and 'DeSantis' graffiti among vandalism at historic Florida cemetery

Michael Moore Jr., Miami Herald on May 13, 2026

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Broken headstones, damaged graves and spray-painted graffiti now mark a historic Florida cemetery after vandals targeted the site, according to investigators.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating vandalism at Old Memphis Cemetery in Palmetto, where deputies say 17 grave sites were damaged with broken and knocked-down headstones, graffiti and damaged concrete.

Officials said the vandalism is in the section of the cemetery maintained by Manatee County government Some headstones were knocked over or broken, and some had been spray-painted with “Trump” and “Ron DeSantis.”

Detectives said evidence indicates at least some of the grave sites were damaged and defaced with spray paint “during or before” March, according to the sheriff’s office.

The sheriff’s office said investigators have found no indication that any human remains were removed from the grave sites.

Historic Palmetto cemetery vandalized, deputies say

Old Memphis Cemetery is tied to Palmetto’s historic Memphis neighborhood, which was originally plotted in 1904, according to a state historical marker at the site. The marker says the cemetery became the final resting place of many Black residents, many of whom worked in the area’s farming fields, groves and packing houses. The cemetery came under the care of Manatee County in 1988, according to the marker.

Manatee officials say they are now working to repair the damaged gravesites.

“The county is currently coordinating with a specialized contractor to assess and repair the damaged grave sites and is also evaluating additional security measures for the area,” Manatee County government spokesperson Michael Strollo told the Bradenton Herald in an email. “Repairs are expected to be scheduled as soon as possible.”

The investigation remains active and no arrests have been made, according to the sheriff’s office.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact investigators at 941-747-3011. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Manatee County Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS or through ManateeCrimeStoppers.com, where tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.

CrimeStoppers of Manatee County is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to an arrest, while the Gold Star Club of Manatee County is offering an additional $1,000 reward, according to the sheriff’s office.