FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – Disbelief was the reaction many people had when they first heard one of the 27 “Play Me I’m Yours” pianos disappeared from the corner of Cherokee and Franklin Streets in Downtown Florence.
Reynolds Williams is the director of the program in Florence. The pianos are meant to foster a sense of community and bring people together who may otherwise never meet. That’s why he says he still can’t believe someone would steal one of the instruments in broad daylight.
“It may have been stolen but what i prefer to think is that somebody misunderstood and thought play me i’m yours meant it was literally theirs,” said Reynolds.
Some witnesses reported seeing a silver or gray pickup truck near the scene, according to Major Carlos Raines of the Florence Police Department. Other witnesses said they saw a gold-colored SUV in the area well.
Williams just wants to get the piano back so it can make music again.
“They need to bring it back so the whole town can enjoy it,” he said.
Frank Hyder, whose “Janis” inflatable art was on display Friday at the kick-off event, has had his art stolen before.
“There are people who just can’t control themselves,” Hyder said. But the artist says he prefers to look on the bright side.
“It obviously moved someone enough that they wanted to have to have it for themselves,” Hyder offered. “So that’s kind of a backhanded compliment.”
Williams told News 13 he was hoping to see the piano turn up in time for Friday evening’s kick-off party, but that did not happen, so the search continues. Williams said he hoped this report would have whoever does have the piano singing a different tune very soon.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of the missing Piano, you’re asked to contact Florence Police.