FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Fernandina Beach police are actively searching for a suspect involved in an arson incident that occurred at Sliders Seaside Grill early Friday morning.

The fire started around 1 a.m. at the popular beachfront restaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and ocean views.

According to surveillance footage, an individual was captured entering the building through a side door. The restaurant reports that the suspect ignited several fires within the premises, targeting areas such as the employee stairwell and a patio umbrella.

“I can’t believe someone did that to a restaurant that everybody goes to, so it was definitely a shocker,” expressed Andrew Fenzl, a local resident who has called Fernandina Beach home for 12 years.

General Manager Cason Zylinski said the fire department responded quickly after the restaurant’s sprinkler system and alarms went off.

“Someone had broken in the side door and came into our employee stairwell and lit that area on fire, a total of three small fires,” Zylinski said.

She says the suspect didn’t seem familiar with his surroundings or where he was going.

“It seems as though he was kind of a fluke incident, maybe a stranger from across the street or maybe someone that’s had too much to drink,” Zylinski said. 

Police, firefighters and the state fire marshal’s office, along with canines, combed the scene for evidence.

The suspect is described as a middle-aged white man with a tattoo, a star in a circle on his left arm and on his calf. Investigators believe he may live near First Avenue in Fernandina Beach.

“That’s the great part about living in a town like this, he’ll get caught,” Zylinski said.

Sliders Seaside Grill remains open and is determined to keep serving the community.

“We’ll get ya, at least you weren’t real smart,” Zylinski said.

Assistant General Manager Blake Griffin thanked first responders and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“Thank you to the first responders and everybody out there looking for him,” Griffin said. “Hopefully we catch them.”

Fernandina Beach Police Chief said the investigation is ongoing and urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fernandina Beach Police Department or First Coast Crime Stoppers.