Jacksonville Residents Baffled by Mysterious Disappearance of Public Benches

Jacksonville Residents Baffled by Mysterious Disappearance of Public BenchesJacksonville Residents Baffled by Mysterious Disappearance of Public Benches Jacksonville, FL – Residents have been left puzzled after a string of public benches mysteriously vanished from local parks and public spaces. Over the past few weeks, dozens of benches have been reported missing, leaving the community without places to sit, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. “It’s like benching has become the new pastime around here,” said bewildered resident Emily Carter. “I used to enjoy sitting on a bench by the lake, but now they’re all gone. It’s really strange.” The Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department confirmed the disappearances and said they are actively investigating the matter. However, no leads or suspects have been identified yet. “We’re just as baffled as the community,” said park spokesperson Sarah Thompson. “Public benches are an essential part of any park system, and their loss is a real inconvenience.” Theories abound about the motive behind the thefts. Some residents believe they are being taken for scrap metal, while others suspect they are being stolen by vandals. “It’s a shame that people would do something like this,” said elderly resident John Smith. “These benches provide a place for people to rest and connect. They’re a part of our community.” The city is urging anyone with information about the missing benches to come forward. A reward has been offered for any tips leading to their recovery. Meanwhile, residents are finding creative ways to cope with the absence of benches. Some have resorted to sitting on the ground or bringing their own chairs to the park. Others have organized neighborhood watch groups to monitor the remaining benches. “We won’t let these thieves ruin our community,” said Carter. “We’ll keep our eyes peeled and make sure our benches are returned.” The mysterious disappearance of Jacksonville’s public benches has become a pressing concern for the city. As the investigation continues, residents hope that the stolen benches will be recovered and restored to their rightful place in the community.