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Kayaks, gear stolen from Hillsborough County non-profit

Camp Bayou in Ruskin asking for community's help
Posted at 11:29 AM, May 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-04 17:50:42-04

RUSKIN, Fla. -- A small, Tampa Bay Area non-profit nature center was the recent victim of a theft, and they’re asking the community for help.

Someone broke into a cabin at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin and stole 4 kayaks that the organization uses for guided weekend tours.

Life-jackets and paddles were also stolen.

Dolly Cummings of Camp Bayou tells ABC Action News that one of the kayaks was a donation, and the other three were purchased with grant money.

“If you happen to see anyone trying to sell 3 small blue kayaks (~6ft), or a yellow kayak (~8 ft) please let me or the police know,” wrote Cummings online.

“This is just the latest in thefts at our non-profit but this time in particular really affects our ability to do our programs.”

The late-March thefts were reported to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Camp Bayou is now asking for donations to help them purchase new kayaks and a new security shed that could allow them to better secure gear. 

The stated purpose of Camp Bayou is to help sustain Florida’s original habitats in the Little Manatee River Watershed, and to promote appreciation and better understanding of Florida's natural resources, local history and culture through education.

To help Camp Bayou, click HERE.