A St. James City boat owner is asking for help after his 34-foot boat was stolen from his front yard last Friday.
Tim Joseph, the owner of a blue 2000 Jupiter boat, says the vessel was locked up in a lot right next to his driveway Friday night.
When his neighbor, Kelly Weir, was out on a walk Saturday morning, the boat was gone.
Weir saw the boat from his lanai around 1 a.m. Friday but found it missing by 7:30 a.m. He called Joseph, and they both told NBC2 they initially thought it was a joke.
"I was panicking. It's too big to just disappear," Joseph said.
However, their worst fear was true. A damaged boat lock was in the middle of the road, and a power cord was unplugged.
"Just bring it back — if you want a ride, I'll give you one," Joseph said.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the theft and reviewing any available video footage. If you have any information or tips, contact the LCSO.
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