Police: Leesburg man identified in New Years Day fire that damaged Southernmost Point Buoy

KEY WEST, Fla. — Key West Police say they have identified the two men who started a fire that damaged the iconic Southernmost Point Buoy on New Year’s Day.

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Police said 21-year-old David B. Perkins of Leesburg, Florida  and 21-year-old Skylar Rae Jacobson of Henrietta, Texas are the men responsible for setting the fire that damaged the iconic landmark.

According to investigators, at around 3:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, two men were caught on video placing a Christmas tree in front of the iconic landmark before setting the tree on fire.

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After video of the incident quickly spread on social media, police said they received numerous tips identifying the two men as being responsible for the fire.

Both Perkins and Jacobson have agreed to turn themselves in to authorities on charges of criminal mischief.

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The Southernmost Point marker has been a famous attraction for visitors to Key West for nearly 40 years and is located around 90 miles from the island nation of Cuba.

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