Key Biscayne, FL – Menorah Stolen From Park; Authorities Investigate

Key Biscayne, FL – For more than a decade, Key Biscayne has been celebrating the holidays by lighting up a park with gorgeous decorations, but this year a 9-foot menorah has been stolen.

Officials said the menorah was stolen on Sunday night, along with some other lights from the park and ornaments from the Christmas tree. “We had a menorah set up here, and someone chose to show that darkness pushes away light and stole that menorah,” said Rabbi Yoel of the Caroline Chabad Key Biscayne Jewish Center.

Village officials are working to have another menorah put up in the park as quickly as possible. “We are not going to let this stop us. We will be lighting the menorah every night of Hanukkah here in the Village Green,” Rabbi Yoel said. “That’s what Hanukkah is about. It’s light over darkness, so let’s all internalize that message, and let’s give to each other, to the world and to ourselves,” said Rabbi Yoel.

Residents are in disbelief. “They probably came from another city because nobody in the island would do that,” Kiko Ricote said.

Officials said they are hoping to find the person responsible for this act. “We’re going to investigate very seriously, and including up to an arrest if we can get information as such, and we’re already working on that,” Village Manager Genaro Iglesias said.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.