WHEEL OF MISFORTUNE: Thief makes off with Flipper's wheel (PHOTO)

The wheelhouse of the Flipper is without a wheel.

Destin History and Fishing Museum Executive Director Jean Melvin said she recently walked into the wheelhouse, which decorates the front lawn of the museum, and discovered that someone had stolen the wheel that made the little building what it was. She said the 24-inch wheel was made of wood and brass in the 1940s, and “its value would be in however much someone wanted it.”

“All they left was the bolt,” said Melvin, referring to the bolt that held the wheel in place. “If it ever would have occurred to me that someone would take it, I would’ve chained it down. I guess I’m living in the wrong generation.”

Melvin said the wheel was taken about one month ago. She filed a police report and called every pawn shop and antique shop in town to no avail. She said she’s found homeless people sleeping in the wheelhouse before, and she’s concerned one of them may have broke it off and threw it in the bushes, never to be found.

Associate Director Kathy Marler Blue said the museum would love to replace the wheel if someone has one to donate. She said the museum board has already discussed ways to secure the new wheel so that it can’t be removed from the pilot house of what used to be a charter fishing boat.

The Flipper traces its roots back to 1948 when it was originally built in New Jersey.

“The kids loved to get in there and play like they were driving,” said Melvin. “It never ceases to amaze me when something like this happens.”