Only in Florida

 

1. 

Floating Tiki on the Harbor is Back

 

Heading Towards July 4

 

Stopping by Town

 

John Wright Goodbye To Chamber Party at Winsett’s

 

Calostimucu Greets You as You Enter Punta Gorda

 

This large two-sided Indian sculpture was carved by Peter Toth from the remains of a monkey pod tree originally planted by Marian McAdow on property ultimately purchased by Fred Babcock for a Holiday Inn.  Calostimucu was commissioned in 1974 by Babcock after seeing Toth’s work in Georgia.  Calostimucu was Toth’s tenth project, and the only one with two faces – on one side a male, on the other a maiden.  Each has a symbolic animal coming from their heads, the male has a bison, the maiden, an eagle. The name of the statue is a combination of the two Native American tribes that lived in this area of Florida. 

Calostimucu was a fixture in front of the Best Western (formerly Holiday Inn) until Hurricane Charley destroyed much of the hotel in 2004.  New owners of the property wanted to replace the statue with a fountain, and for a time there was controversy over its disposition until it was finally moved in front of the relocated Freeman House right across the street, where it stands today. 

Only in Florida - Frosty on a Motorcycle

 

Only in Florida

 

Best of Halloween

The Conquistadors Ship

 

Ponce plays Frisbee

Looks like Ponce decided to play some frisbee

Odd Times - Fully Protected Kayaker

Spotted a Leprechaun on the Harbor Walk

Peacock and Rooster Meet on a Punta Gorda Road

Calostimicu - Punta Gorda's Whispering Giant

Punta Gorda's Fountain of Youth? The Artesian Well Fountain at Marion and Taylor

This worn tiled green fountain is said to have been constructed around 1926 to draw water from an artesian well.  Many believe the water is good for the health, and drink from it despite warnings. 

As Snowbirds Head Home a Fun Directional Sign at the TikiBar to Guide the Way

Here comes the Easter Bunny Punta Gorda Style - Manatee Mailbox decorated for Easter

Look Who Has Moved In - Dove Nesting in Alcove Doves

Doves here - two at a time - a family - tend to select a house to hang around, live by.  They typically roost on the roof or in a nearby tree.  This family has picked a safer location inside the alcove of a home.  

The Conquistador's Ship at The Tiki Bar

The Conquistadors Group of Punta Gorda do their annual landing.