PORT ST. JOHN, Fla. – A Brevard County woman returned from an overseas trip to find her Port St. John home had been broken into and vandalized. Neighbors say the victim is recently widowed, and the community is now stepping in to help her recover.
Catherine Rose, a neighbor, said she was shocked to discover the damage at the home along Jamaica Road when the woman returned last Saturday. Rose quickly contacted the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office after seeing the destruction.
“I couldn’t imagine someone coming from out of town, from grieving their husband, to a scene that was horrific,” Rose said.
Photos shared by Rose show shattered glass and other damage inside the home. She and other neighbors volunteered to help with the cleanup.
“It was disgusting,” Rose said. “It took me over six hours to clean the master bath because every piece of glass had to be scrubbed off the tile.”
Several residents joined in the cleanup efforts and took steps to improve their own home security in response.
“There was a lot of cleaning to do. We are not really done yet,” one neighbor said.
Another added, “It made me get a security system. I definitely put some cameras up around the house. It was pretty shocking to me.”
Beyond helping with repairs, the community has also shown support through donations. One neighbor, Mirela Staab, delivered a flower arrangement.
“I’m donating a flower arrangement just to brighten her day,” Staab said. “I want her to know she is not alone, even though she feels that she is.”
The woman, whose name has not been released, has expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
Neighbors are urging anyone with information about the break-in and vandalism to contact the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-423-TIPS.