Fletcher Field Vandalization

Beach Businesses, Fletcher Needs a Hand

My name is Ed Malin and I am related to Fletcher High School because I own a sub shop at the beach and we support the local Fletcher High School! Two nights ago some criminals broke into the equipment shed at Fletcher High and vandalized the grounds and the mowers. 3 People took the two large mowers onto the field and spun deep ruts into the turf, tore up the sprinkler system, and then crashed the mowers and damaged the scoreboard. Then they jumped on the decks breaking the sway bars, flattening the tires and tearing the hoses and wires from the motors. Jerks.

Fortunately the turf and sprinklers can be repaired but fixing the mowers will cost more than buying a new one.

I wish I could say that Duval County will replace the mower and other damaged equipment. That is not the case. The mowers were purchased by fundraising efforts of the Booster Club and will need to be replaced by fundraising.

I need not point out the importance of the athletic field to anyone, but I will. The field is a centerpiece of The Beaches. It's a meeting place. It is a space where families gather and grow. Cheerleaders, soccer teams, track and field, band, football and all of their supporters utilize the space. Collegiate and professional teams utilize Jack Taylor stadium because of its location and impeccable state of repair. The few people who maintain the grounds do so on their own time, at their own expense. To have it vandalized is a punch in the gut to those people and to those of us who take pride in the stadium.

I am asking Beaches businesses to step up and help donate to replace the ruined mowers with one new nice mower. The cost will be about just over 16k. Angie's Subs is matching the first 10 businesses or individuals that donate $500. We are also going to raise 2k to secure the equipment shed. Total needed is $18k.

The new mower will be presented on behalf of this fundraiser to Fletcher High which is the plan for the withdraw of the money. The largest donor, not Angie's Subs, will get their name on the side of the field house. Click on the Go Fund Me bar to help.

Sincerely,

Ed Malin