The Zephyrhills Police Department is investigating several vandalism incidents targeting city infrastructure. On May 21 and May 22, officers responded to multiple reports of cut coaxial cables at municipal lift stations throughout the city.
The severed cables disrupted communications between the affected lift stations and the Wastewater Treatment Plant, posing a potential risk to wastewater operations. City utilities and Zephyrhills Police Department personnel discovered the damage after automated alerts indicated the lift stations were no longer communicating with the monitoring system.
Tampering with these communication lines interferes with the city’s ability to monitor and remotely control the lift stations. Fortunately, despite losing communication, no lift station ceased operation during the incidents.
Investigators have identified a possible suspect: an unknown white male seen on surveillance footage wearing no shirt, white shorts, black shoes, and a red cloth or “cape” around his neck. He was observed riding a red bicycle near one of the affected locations.
The Zephyrhills Police Department urges anyone with information about these incidents—or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area—to come forward. Please contact the Zephyrhills Police Department at 813-780-0050.
The following were the affected locations:
05/21/25: 39419 Kennedy Ave
05/21/25: 6481 20th St
05/22/25: North Ave and 18th St
05/22/25: County Road 54 and Wire Rd
05/22/25: 23rd St/10th Ave
05/22/25: South Ave and 6th Ave
05/22/25: 37845 Palmetto Palm