This decorative turtle mysteriously returns to its pedestal outside of the former Leatherback’s restaurant site on Madeira Way on Wednesday morning just hours after a news story telling of a reward for the return hits the streets.
MADEIRA BEACH – A decorated turtle sculpture that was taken from outside the Leatherback’s restaurant site has been returned.
An article in Wednesday’s Beach Beacon told of the theft, and mentioned a $500 reward offered by the owners, Mayor Pat Shontz and her husband George.
The turtle was one of 92 “Tour of Turtles” sculptures auctioned off in 2002 to benefit local charities.
Within hours of the paper’s appearance, Madeira Beach City Hall received an anonymous phone call. “Tell the mayor her turtle is back,” the caller said, then hung up.
An alert city employee notified Shontz, who sent husband George to the Leatherback’s property to check.
Mayor Shontz said the turtle’s feet and body are damaged to some extent, but overall it is in pretty good shape. She was delighted to have it back.
“It came back as mysteriously and it disappeared,” she said.
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