JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — While driving on I-10 West, there's a billboard that showcases a message of white supremacy. Turns out, it is not a paid sign, but vandalism.
The sign promotes what the Anti-Defamation League as a hate group. It has been on display for more than a week. The billboard itself is located behind A&D Tire, a tire shop in the 7900 block of Devoe Street.
The owner of the business told First Coast News he knew nothing of the sign's significance. He believes someone must have snuck onto his property after he closed shop. There isn't a fence or gate behind the business. Climbing the billboard appears to be accessible. The owner said it is not the first time his bill board was vandalized.
People in the neighborhood were not pleased to know a message of white supremacy was so close to home. It has been up for more than a week. To Kentrell Davis, who lives close by, described the sign as distasteful.
"It's a mixed community, we all get along," Davis said.
This is one of many signs of hate cropping up around the First Coast. In September, anti-Semitic banners were on full display on I-95's overpass. Messages of hate were projected on buildings in October.
A swastika was projected on CSX' headquarters in January. The Jacksonville City Council has since passed an ordinance prohibiting unauthorized signs projected on buildings. JSO believes that was an act of vandalism, but it would not fall under that new law.
David Miller, who's leading a campaign called 'I am Jacksonville', includes businesses and non-profit organizations to work together and promote diversity. Miller is also outspoken about anti-Semitism. He played a role in having $1 million dollars established to combat hate in Jacksonville.
"Jacksonville is a vibrant and diverse community that is made even stronger by our different perspectives and backgrounds," Miller said. "Fear based propaganda limits everyone associated with it and will not win the day here."
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office said they will reach out to the tire shop owner.