Believed to be the work of an arson, the well -known South Beach Classic dealership of South Florida, recently ignited in a blaze. Suffering and estimated one million dollars in damage, many vintage rides were lost in the fire. Ted and Robin Vernon, also known for their hit TV show “South Beach Classic”, are extremely saddened by the loss.
Authorities report, the blaze is believed to have been set in three separate locations. A tell-tale sign of arson, investigators are not yet confirming this, however officials are calling the fire suspicious. Firefighters were able to contain the fire in the storage area, taking an hour to put out the blaze and minimize the damage. As many as two dozen of the 350 vintage vehicles were destroyed in the fire unfortunately. “Just the sheer magnitude and the number of the vehicles and zero visibility,”said Jadallah. “The firefighters did a really good job trying to get this fire under control.”
Currently investigation underway, the Vernon couple in recent months have received threats of violence directed at them and the shop. Robin Vernon shared the business is equipped with surveillance cameras, however did not capture a suspect due to pointing in the wrong direction. Miami-Dade police spokesman, Detective Robin Pinkard, said police have responded to seven calls for help from the business since 2011.Suffering the loss of many classic rides, Ted Vernon in the business for thirty years, is extremely distraught over this occurrence. Vernon’s own Rolls Royce was damaged in the fire, as was a vintage car that belongs to an unidentified South Florida celebrity. Working often eighteen hours a day, the couple feel angered and hurt for something like this to happen to what they have built together.
With a restraining order placed against one individual, the couple fearing for their safety, are taking extra security measures to ensure their safety, including staying armed at all times for their protection. Robin Vernon is planning on contacting Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers to set up a possible $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the individual or individuals responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is being urged to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).