Santa's Elves Leave Holiday 'Mystery' Surprise For Community

SHIRLEY, NY —It's a Christmas mystery: Shirley residents are buzzing about a popular statue, dressed up as Santa — but no one knows who they mystery elves are that pulled off the holiday surprise.

The William Floyd Statue, located at the corner of William Floyd Parkway and Montauk Highway, was dressed up some time over the past few days, and residents love the new look.

But neither Suffolk County Police nor Brookhaven Town officials know who's behind the Christmas magic.

"No one seems to know. It's a big mystery," said Jack Krieger, media representative for Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.

Young and old alike are loving the surprise. "Whoever dressed up the William Floyd Statue as Santa surely has brought lots of holiday cheer to our wonderful community," said Erica Jackson, who added that the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley also just placed a Christmas tree at the spot, which marks the entrance to the community, for the first time, and also sited a menorah at the same location. "I know my kids really got a kick out of it!"

Patch photo by Erica Jackson.