Burned Palm Trees and Brush "Suspicious in Nature"

If you drive by Gulfport Blvd. you may notice several burned palm trees and brush across the street from Clymer Park. Gulfport Fire Chief James Marenkovic says the fire is "suspicious in nature and being investigated".

Marenkovic says the first call came in shortly before 3 a.m. Monday April 18, 2011. "There were flames all the way up the palm trees."

Bob Williams with the Gulfport Parks Department says the Springfest banner was also burned and will have to be replaced for the annual event next year. As for the trees and brush, Williams says if the hearts of the palms were not destroyed, they may be salvaged. If not, "we'll get them replaced," Williams said.

Currently, there is no estimate on the cost of the damage.

Officials ask anyone with information to contact the , 727-893-1059 or the Gulfport Police Department's Non Emergency Line at 727- 893-1030.