Manatee Mania

“Old Glory” added a humorous yet patriotic touch to Harbor Federal Savings Bank’s garden in downtown Fort Pierce.

What is both endangered and endearing?  What weighs a ton or more—even though it eats only vegetables? What is found in 20 landlocked locations all over the Treasure Coast? The manatee, of course. From 14th Avenue in Vero Beach to Monterey Road in Stuart, 20 life-size sculptures of the beloved behemoths have appeared on street corners and in parks since last November as part of an awareness campaign staged by the Manatee Center in Fort Pierce. Center Director Camille Yates describes the year-long project as a major undertaking but very successful.

The culmination of the adventure took place on February 23 at the Pelican Yacht Club in Fort Pierce when eight of the sculptures were auctioned off. More than 200 people gathered to dance and dine and celebrate the raising of funds for the benefit of the Manatee Center.

Read the entire article in the Summer 2002 issue