Call it a Stonewall Pride miracle! The iconic Rainbow Manatee statue has been returned.
WMPD tells The Gazette the artwork was returned by a citizen early Sunday morning after the street party. Besides being a little dirty from the ordeal, the manatee does not appear to have damage and is in good condition.
The statue was stolen in the early hours of June 3. Surveillance video shows it was knocked off its pedestal in one blow. The vandal picked it up and rolled away on his skateboard. One person close to the investigation told The Gazette they believe the person showed up and hit the statue several times, weakening the adhesive bond between the art and the pedestal.
Local artist Claudia Castillo created the work in 2019 and then dedicated it to her dear friend, Justin Flippen, who died while serving as mayor of Wilton Manors. It was later selected to be permanently featured in Justin Flippen Park, across from city hall.
Castillo was prepared to recreate the statue, but that now appears unnecessary.
“The piece is in good condition and I will restore anything needed,” Castillo said. “I will be figuring out the details for reinstallation with the city later on.”
The investigation continues, and if you have any information, please call WMPD at 954-390-2172 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
Credit: Claudia Castillo.
