LANTANA — A sentimental sailboat model displayed inside a historic Lantana restaurant was taken by an alleged thief.
Security footage from last month shows the moments a man snatches the antique sailboat off the mantle of a fireplace at Old Key Lime House located on E. Ocean Avenue. It’s been there for years.
“You look at this video and see this heinous, evil act. You’re like how anybody can contemplate doing something like that,” restaurant owner, Ryan Cordero, told CBS12 News on Friday.
Cordero added the model ship has sentimental value and was a gift from his father, Wayne, who passed away back in August of 2020.
“It’s always been very special to me,” Cordero said. “My dad bought it for me when I was a small child after sail camp. It’s always been in my room growing up. Since it’s my mom and I now, we’re here all the time, we put it here so every time you see it.”
Not only is there an empty space on the mantle, but Cordero said it’s left a big absence in his heart.
According to Cordero, the suspect had been a customer that night on March 7th. Cameras tracked his every move, including the moment he grabbed the ship and raced out the door.
“He was here at 7:13 p.m., hanging out at the raw bar, listening to the Thursday night band, enjoying his time, really kicking back,” he explained. “This guy looked outside to see if anybody’s looking. He looked in the gift shop, looked at the hostess stand, and saw nobody was around, grabbed it and ran out.”
Cordero was told the item has an estimated value between $3,000-$5,000. More than just getting back property, Cordero said he wants to know who and why anyone would do something so dishonest.
“It’s devastating to see the security footage of an elderly gentlemen, who should be learned to be wise at this age. “
The ship was just one of the countless memorabilia pieces on display at the restaurant.
“This is Florida’s oldest waterfront restaurant. It’s been in the family since ‘86,” he said.
The history is a big reason people go to Old Key Lime House. Photographs displayed of a storied past, showing the early days and the eventual evolution of Lantana.
“We’re one of the oldest restaurant families in Florida started back in 1840, before the state was incorporated in Key West. The key lime pie is great, great, Grandmother Agnes’ which we take credit for inventing the key lime pie.”
As Lantana police investigates, Cordero said he is offering a $500 reward for any information about the man caught on camera.
He hopes the thief will have a change of heart and return this meaningful gift from his late father.
“If he turns it in, with an apology, I will not press charges. Police are on it, so please turn in my sailboat,” Cordero said.