AVON PARK — Jose Gonzales doesn't know who could have spray painted racial slurs on his house and set fire to his garage and car. "I can't sleep," he said Monday afternoon. "I don't know who did this." State Fire Marshal Public Information Officer Kevin Shireman said the fire was intentionally set and a cash reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information. A Folk-Nation gang sign was sprayed painted on the garage. ...more

October 2, 2007

AVON PARK — Authorities suspect arson destroyed a detached garage and car, which also was found with racial slurs spray-painted over them early Sunday morning. The state fire marshal is still investigating the fire near Avon Park Middle School and no suspects were listed, but Avon Park Fire Department Capt. Robert Border said the anti-Hispanic slurs and a Folk Nation gang sign spray-painted on the garage made it "highly suspicious." He couldn't recall the last time Avon Park had a racially motivated arson. "It's been a while since we had something this bad," he said. ...more

October 1, 2007