Small, deliberately set fires and a rash of bathroom vandalism at Palm Harbor’s Pop Stansell Park have neighbors rattled and deputies spending a lot more time at the waterfront hangout. In the most recent incident, reported Wednesday, toilet paper was set on fire on a restroom floor, but crews say there was no major structural damage. Deputies and fire rescue officials report juveniles have been seen racing e-bikes, smoking marijuana and defacing facilities, and park staff say they may temporarily close the bathrooms while detectives work the case.
Incidents and response
According to WTSP, Palm Harbor Fire Rescue and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office say multiple suspicious fires were intentionally set inside a park restroom, and crews responded to calls on May 20. Investigators told the outlet the fires were small and caused no significant damage, but they are treating the incidents as deliberate acts.
Park staff told WTSP they are considering closing bathroom access as a precaution while deputies try to identify those responsible.
Deputies step up patrols
Deputies told WTSP they believe the activity may be connected to juveniles or teenagers and have increased patrols around Pop Stansell Park while detectives follow up on leads. The station reports that during the relevant time frame, deputies have observed groups racing e-bikes, smoking marijuana and vandalizing restrooms.
Investigators are asking anyone with video, photos or other information to step forward to help move the probe along.
Why the park matters
Pop Stansell Park sits on the downtown waterfront at 797 Florida Avenue and features a pier, playground and public restrooms, according to Florida Fish & Wildlife. The park regularly hosts weekend markets and family events, so any extended bathroom closure could disrupt programming and inconvenience visitors, according to local event listings.
How to help
Anyone with photos, video or other information about the incidents is asked to contact the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office tip portal or call the agency's non-emergency line at 727-582-6200. For crimes in progress, officials say to call 911.
Authorities also urged parents to talk with their children about the dangers of setting fires and the potential legal fallout that can come with vandalism, even when the damage looks minor.
