Graffitti in JB

[Captain Bil]

I dove JB yesterday for the first time since May. Great dive as usual. Upon my return to the cavern for deco, noticed A LOT of crap on the walls. Someone named "Nick Dorado" saw fit to carve his name into the rock in several places, some in very large letters. His pal "SIMON" also engraved his place in history. Apparently these two clowns were bored because they (or someone else?) also gouged a few games of Tic-Tac-Toe as well. Sad.

Does anyone know who these a*$holes are? This is really bad y'all. During my deco I felt like I was under an Interstate overpass in the inner city.

Oh, and for the pious individual who scrawled "Jesus Saves" in 2 feet high letters, I'll bet Jesus is real proud of you for defacing one of his dad's finer works. Somehow I think Jesus would have gotten along just fine without that.

[MORGAN]

Since the morons involved included their names in the graffiti, seems like it shouldn't be difficult to track them down.

Unfortunately, even if they get the maximum penalty allowed by law, it will be grossly insufficient compared to the magnitude of the offense.

Mike

[rotor60driver]

Bil,
I was in there on Friday and noticed the same thing, I don't remember all of that crap being there just a few weeks ago when I was in there. It was very sad to see. I know it would be doing more "damage" but is it possible to scrape or buff the rocks to remove this stuff.

[BlindAltezza]

It would be like clearing a chalkboard, if they or someone of thier intelligance level were to return, blank slate for thier amusement. sad.Too bad caves aren't treated as endangured animals or goverment monuments. Poaching and defacing crimes.

[Ken Hill]

It would be like clearing a chalkboard, if they or someone of thier intelligance level were to return, blank slate for thier amusement. sad.Too bad caves aren't treated as endangured animals or goverment monuments. Poaching and defacing crimes.

We have set the precedent and have prosecuted a case involving defacement of an underwater cave. Florida caves are protected by statute. The result was after a warrant was issued there was a plea agreement that included a sizable fine and restitution.

If you can identify the people responsible, organize among yourselves and have someone bring it to the State Attorney and draw a complaint. Since access to Jackson Blue is administered by the County they may be the recipient of any restitution over and above the fine.

/Ken

[Dsix36]

We have set the precedent and have prosecuted a case involving defacement of an underwater cave. Florida caves are protected by statute. The result was after a warrant was issued there was a plea agreement that included a sizable fine and restitution.

If you can identify the people responsible, organize among yourselves and have someone bring it to the State Attorney and draw a complaint. Since access to Jackson Blue is administered by the County they may be the recipient of any restitution over and above the fine.

/Ken

Maybe I am old fashioned (ok, just old), but I still prefer the "tree branch and rope" method.

[skip]

Sure would be nice if the NSS/CDS and NACD (and springs alliance?) could form an investigative committee for these conservation violations and take the lead in seeking prosecution. The whole process is a mystery to me and seems like a dedicated group with all the paperwork and prior experience would be a plus for the cave community.

skip

[MORGAN]

A criminal complaint to the Jackson County Sheriffs Department by a person who has seen the vandalism might be a good first step.

Ken, in the previous case, who was the investigating agency? In some states, something like this would be investigated by local law enforcement; in others, by different agencies: Fish & Wildlife, Environmental Conservation, Water Resources, etc. In any case, JCSD would be able to hand off the complaint to the appropriate agency if they don't do it themselves.

The recent study showing the considerable amount of money brought into Jackson County by cave divers might be useful in moving it to a higher spot on the law enforcement priority list. The history of a successful prosecution will also be helpful - prosecutors are more likely to move forward with a case that they think will be a winner, especially if there is publicity and an economic effect on the local community involved.

Mike

[Captain Bil]

Bil,
I was in there on Friday and noticed the same thing, I don't remember all of that crap being there just a few weeks ago when I was in there. It was very sad to see. I know it would be doing more "damage" but is it possible to scrape or buff the rocks to remove this stuff.

Shawn,
I tried that with one of the Tic Tac Toe boards, to no avail. It is actually gouged into the rock. Soft rock I know, but it will take some pretty vigorous rubbing to fix it, I think. But I'm no expert.

[Captain Bil]

A criminal complaint to the Jackson County Sheriffs Department by a person who has seen the vandalism might be a good first step.

Mike

I'll be back down there on Wednesday. I want to talk to Edd first, and I will happily lodge a complaint if that is what is needed. Personally, I would prefer deepsix's solution, just something a little more painful. Hanging's too quick.