A Citrus Hills family woke up on the morning of Aug. 18 to find a racist statement spray-painted in large red letters across the entire side of their home.

  • Dayna, James White among few black families in their neighborhood
  • No clues yet, no suspects
  • Family has lived in neighborhood for 3 years

"It was appalling. It was literally disgusting," said homeowner Dayna White, 51. "It took us for quite a surprise."

White said they're one of the few black families who live in the neighborhood and they won't be intimidated.

"Next time we'll be waiting because you never rest when something like that's done," she said. "You just think it takes a whole lot of nerve for a person to walk up on your property and put something like that in words and that's our bedroom."

Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said this action will not be tolerated.

"We take this type of crime very seriously," he said. "We will utilize all available resources to bring this case to a resolution."

Deputies said they did not find any clues during a canvas of the neighborhood and hope the public will assist with tips.

Joe Adams, who lives a few streets away, said he was appalled to see the racist graffiti in the neighborhood.

"I was infuriated. This is uncalled for. Whoever did this, they're cowards," he said. "I hope they would catch the people who did this."

The White family moved to the neighborhood three years ago from Kuwait. James White, 48, was working there as a government contractor.