FORT WALTON BEACH - The signs on Beal Parkway that have sparked protests from residents because of their controversial messages have been vandalized, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Larry Ford, who owns the property near Yancey Street where the signs are posted, reported Thursday that both signs at 771 Beal Parkway had been painted over, according to a criminal mischief complaint filed with the Sheriff’s Office. He said he drove past the signs and noticed their messages such as “Blacks take jobs from whites,” had been painted over.
None of Ford’s neighbors said they saw anyone painting the signs, but two of them said they noticed the vandalism Wednesday, the complaint said.
A group of residents plan to gather at the site Jan. 26 to protest the signs’ messages.
Ford said he had no idea who vandalized the signs. He estimated their value at $300.
The case is listed as inactive