Last month David Almendarez, the cruise tourism firebrand and President of FECTAB, came out swinging in defense of the Port Coral/Stake Bank project, which was facing criticism over approvals for causeways that are supposed to be features of that new cruise port. Tonight, he's back in the news, but this time, it's personal.
Sometime between Sunday night and yesterday, thieves trespassed on his property at mile 19 on the George Price Highway, and they burglarized his establishment, "Fu Wi Flavaz" Restaurant. Somehow, the burglars managed to empty his 10-thousand-gallon water tank, which was elevated, and afterward, they stole it from the property. And, while they were at it, the culprits dismantled and stole 8 windows, and 2 doors off the restaurant building, along with an assortment of drinks that were stored inside.
This evening, Almendarez spoke with 7News via telephone, and he told us that he suspects that members of the nearby community are the ones who have targeted his business place for the 8th time. Here's how he expressed his frustration at the thousands of dollars in losses that he has incurred due to the past thefts:
Voice of: David Almendarez
"I left Sunday evening from the restaurant around 7:30 and I returned round 9am in the morning to find the windows, doors and a 10,000 gallon water tank gone from the property."
Reporter
"Was there anything else taken from inside the restaurant?"
Voice of: David Almendarez
"They took a couple drinks and other miscellaneous things, but this is the 8th time in this year that they've broken into that spot."
Reporter
"Whats the value of the water tank and the doors and stuff?"
Voice of: David Almendarez
"The water tank is valued about $5,000 and the windows and stuff abbot another $3,000. I mean these guys are a special kind of evil and its people right out of our community. We see the bicycle tracks, we see where they were walking barefoot in the yard, so its people right out of the community are stealing from me."
Reporter
"As you say its number 8th, it seems as though they will continue to target you with malice in that fashion."
Voice of: David Almendarez
"And I welcome them to come back again. That's the message I will tell them and I will tell their family members what happened to them on my property to don't be frightened, because I am giving them warning on public TV, because they are disgusting. This project is to help poor people and when poor people come and steal poor people, that is a real evil way to work."
Reporter
"What would you estimate to be the total losses in all 8th burglaries?"
Voice of: David Almendarez
"Well over $20,000 easily. You know what's the sad part about it, because people would say why don't I hire a security guard. Why would I do that if something is not open and not making money. It's like you are on your knees and these evil-minded people just continue try to knock you down."
As you heard, Almendarez hinted that he has implemented some sort of security measures to protect his property.
