A 24-year-old man landed in handcuffs last week after what police describe as a chaotic scene at a Fort Lauderdale church, ending with an expletive carved into the congregation’s stone sign, objects hurled at a nearby shower bus and a security guard spit in the face. Staff at the United Church of Christ on Northeast 30th Street held the man until officers arrived, and he was later booked on a charge tied to vandalism at a place of worship. The church runs outreach programs for local residents, including people in need of basic services.
What police say
According to Local 10, a probable cause affidavit states that security guards told officers the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Jeffrey Felix, was asked to leave after causing a disturbance inside but initially refused. The affidavit says that once he headed outside, he began throwing rocks and bottles at a shower bus parked in front of the church, then moved to a stone sign and carved the words “f*** you” into it. Guards tried to subdue him with a Taser, which failed, before using pepper spray to detain him. The property manager told police the church wants to prosecute and estimated repairs to the sign at roughly $2,500.
Felix was taken to Broward Health Imperial Point for medical clearance and, according to the affidavit cited by Local 10, told a detective he “spazzed out” after multiple people cut in line at the church and staff did not step in. He reportedly admitted to throwing a bottle, carving the expletive into the sign and spitting in a security guard’s face. Felix was arrested on a charge of criminal mischief at a church, synagogue, mosque or other religious establishment, and as of Monday afternoon he remained at the Broward County Main Jail on a $2,500 bond.
About the church
The United Church of Christ lists 2501 NE 30th St. as its address and describes itself as an open, community-minded congregation that operates a regular pantry and other outreach programs, according to the United Church of Christ website. The stone sign sits along the church’s frontage and is a familiar landmark for worshippers and neighbors, which church leaders say makes the vandalism feel especially jarring.
Legal context
Florida law treats vandalism at places of worship more harshly than ordinary property damage. Chapter 806 of the Florida Statutes notes that defacing or injuring a church or other religious site can be prosecuted as a third-degree felony when the damage exceeds $200. Courts can also order restitution to cover repairs, which means someone convicted could face prison time, fines and a bill for the damage.
A pattern across Florida
Incidents like this are not isolated in Florida. In 2024, a Lauderdale Lakes church had windows and doors smashed, and in January 2026 a Winter Park church reported that an inclusive banner was cut down and set on fire. WSVN and ClickOrlando covered those cases, and some congregations have turned to surveillance cameras and community fundraisers to pay for repairs and bolster security.
