Iconic Southernmost Point landmark vandalized in Key West

Authorities in Key West, Fl., are searching for vandals who inflicted “extensive damages” on the iconic Southernmost Point landmark on New Year’s Day, The Associated Press reported. 

The Key West Police Department (KYPD) said two males lit a Christmas tree on fire near the landmark Saturday morning. 

The flames from the fire charring sections of the colorful cement monument that reads “90 miles to Cuba, Southernmost Point, Continental U.S.A.”

A marketing company’s archival webcam images showed the two individuals committing the crime, which left a black burn mark on the monument. 

The webcam also showed tourists gathering around the buoy landmark to take pictures later that day.

The red, yellow, black and white marker was restored by local artists after being damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, The Associated Press reported.

The Hill has reached out to the Key West Police Department for more information.