Vandals destroy head of miracle Virgin Mary image

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Vandals destroy head of miracle Virgin Mary image

Vandals shattered the office building glass that made up part of a 60-ft. tall apparition of the Virgin Mary in Clearwater, Florida on March 1. Unknown assailants took out the top three panels of glass, which made up the veil and face of the Virgin Mary, with a slingshot and three ball bearings.

Authorities are studying a tape from a surveillance camera, but haven't said if they've found anything on it yet.

The oily image of Mary first appeared in 1996, and has drawn a steady audience of believers and onlookers ever since. The miracle has recovered from vandals before (someone tossed acid on it a while back, but the image reappeared). "It may be tougher this time," wrote tipster Daniel W.

Clearwater is a Scientology company town, often called "Occupied Clearwater."

[03/07/2004]

Virgin Mary in the Glass

Address:: US Hwy 19, Clearwater, FL
Directions:: Clearwater, FL- US Highway 19 just north of Drew street on the east side. Across from the Target. From Tampa, take the Courtney Campbell Causeway (60) till it turns into Gulf-to-Bay. Make a right on US 19. It's just passed the stop light on your right (be careful, you have to merge one lane over to continue straight).
Hours:: Not much to see since it was vandalized.