You've GOT to be kidding me!

While I'm getting out my soapbox, please take a moment to look at the following pictures and comments ~ they are both being used as visual enhancements so that you, the reader, can see with your own eyes and not have to imagine.  Yes, these are my pictures, if anyone wonders.

My daughter's facebook status (sent from her phone) shortly after arriving for her last day of school this year:  "that awkward moment when the seniors vandalize the school and we're not allowed in." 

Then the following comment was added:   "Some seniors came and TRASHED building 4 last night and we can't take our finals yet." 

The next comment was: from a friend (also a teen):  "wow.... thats a lame senior prank"

My daughter's next comment read as follows:  "There's water, oil, soap, spray paint everywhere"

I've chosen my daughter's friend's last comment as the most appropriate way to wrap up this photo section of the post and segway into my thoughts.  The comment reads: "still a lame prank. thats just straight up vandalism. no creative thought into it. Senior pranks are suppose to be cool and funny."

***

The message on the wall says "WE RUN THIS" ~ interesting.  More on that later in this post

Perhaps the oil, soap & water made this message below a bit difficult to read.  I am told it says: "Seniors 2011"  Wow, what class! (pun intended)

The name of the school is Coral Shores High School.  As you can see, the C and the S were omitted in order to present a different point of view.  Considering they had no problem exclaiming who they represented in these acts of vandalism...was this supposed to be an autobiographical depiction?

Ah, the Pièce de résistance ~ The only thing that comes to mind is LET'S HOPE!

***

All of what you have seen here was accompanied by Silly String, more paint (references to illegal drinking were a common theme) and God only knows what other substances amidst overturned and/or otherwise wrecked tables outside in the courtyard.  In addition, the entire day was put on hold for quite a while.  Everyone from administrators to teachers to parents and fellow students were inconvenienced (to say the least) with no thought given to who may have something better to do than hang around waiting for their messes to be cleaned up and then waiting again for the late dismissal caused by the morning's delay.  Oh yeah, I almost forgot...the bus drivers also had to be "on hold" for a while.  As stated, this affected EVERYONE.   Many of those folks (as well as parents who would have been picking up their kids) have young kids that probably needed to be picked up at day care, or had scheduled appointments, etc...you get the idea.  My guess is that no one has ever told these kids that the world does NOT revolve around their obnoxious, inconsiderate and likely spoiled rear-ends ~ OR DOES IT? 

Excuse me while I pour another cup of coffee, stretch my legs, and give my eyes a rest (taking a few cleansing breaths here)....ah, that's better... 

You may be wondering why I posed the question "OR DOES IT?".  Hang on to your hats, I'm about to tell you why.  And yes, hat holding is necessary if you don't want it blown away..lol ( a little humor can go a long way in these situations)

After being informed that quite a few of these little darlings had been rounded up, the school's deputy was seen with a fistful of handcuffs and there were arrests made, I went to the Monroe County Sheriff's facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/#!/floridakeyssheriff) to see if there was any further information.  There wasn't.  So, I asked the following question: Just curious to know when the information about what happened at Coral Shores High School this morning will be shared?  A short while later the MCSO answered with this comment: " The case is still being worked on. When it is in more complete form, I will be doing a story about it. Rest assured, we are on it"  Good for them, I thought. Our Sheriff's department does a great job & they work hard, they got this!   I went about the business of my day and went out for a couple of hours for some R&R. 

Fast forward to my getting back in around 9:00pm and doing the usual stuff...touching base with everyone, letting the dog out, grabbing a snack, etc.  Then I sat down at my computer to see if there were any updates on the incident at school.  There sure was...and here is what it said:  "Coral Shores High School authorities decided they did not want to press criminal charges. They are, however, pursuing harsh penalties for all involved and restitution for all damages." Whaaaaaaat?  "You've GOT to be kidding me"  I exclaimed out loud although there was no one but my dog within earshot.  Of course, I had to respond...I'll let you click the link to read all of that:  https://www.facebook.com/#!/floridakeyssheriff (all you have to do is "like" the page to be able to read it.)

NOW..I have questions.  My first question is this:  Who "owns" our county school system?  To the best of my knowledge, that would be the taxpayers.  This is not a private or otherwise chartered school...it is a public school.  It not only belongs to many others, it belongs to me.  I want to know why on earth these kids will not be prosecuted for their actions...my hard earned tax dollars help pay for those walls and floors and tables they defaced (not to mention the salaries of those who had to clean it all up).  My next question is this: is a public school indeed considered public property?  If so, then why didn't the Sheriff's office charge them with vandalism (and likely a few other things)...it seems to me that they could.  If someone spray paints a bridge or a road sign or a host of other public properties financed by taxpayers they are charged.  WHY NOT THIS CASE?  Are there different rules for schools?  Or more importantly, are there different rules for different people? (of course there are...happens everyday)  Hmmmm... 

At the risk of being accused of speculating, I am going to share part of my reply to MCSO's announcement about no charges being filed:  " HARSH PENALTIES? RESTITUTION?  Big woo...are they all going to get a "stern talking to" while mom and/or dad writes out the check? I won't be very popular for this, but how disgusting."  (The rest can be read by clicking on the above link and follow the thread of comments from my original question posted earlier in the day.)   I want to add here that our schools are barely permitted to say an adverse word to ill-behaved students, much less hold them accountable.  In keeping with that thought, how then, do they intend to hand down "harsh punishment"?  Give me a break!

In closing, I want to take you back to the first picture you saw with "WE RUN THIS" sprayed painted on one of the school's walls.  Obviously, they do indeed ~ what a sad point to ponder. 

Until next time I wish you peace,

Coconut Sal~

PS:  Yes, I have MUCH more to say on this incident but it would either involve or start ugly things like finger-pointing and name calling...I'll let you all do that privately, like I have. (Hey, I'm only human ;-)

UPDATE:  There has been information and more photos shared by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.  Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/floridakeyssheriff#!/notes/mcso-florida-keys/break-in-vandalism-reported-to-coral-shores-high-school/10150642854255133?notif_t=like   UNREAL!