Rainbow Manatee Statue Stolen, But Return Sparks Community Joy

Wilton Manors, Florida, USA - In an unexpected turn of events, the beloved Rainbow Manatee statue has found its way back home to Justin Flippen Park in Wilton Manors, only a few weeks after its brazen theft. This cheerful fiberglass figure, a vibrant tribute to the city’s values of inclusivity and love, was created by local artist Claudia Castillo in memory of former mayor Justin Flippen, who passed away from a brain aneurysm in 2020.

The statue was stolen in the early hours of June 3, when a shirtless man was captured on surveillance video knocking it over and skating away with it, as reported by WSVN. Priced at approximately $5,500, this three-foot-tall sculpture was not only a piece of art but also a symbol of the community’s spirit, part of the 2019 exhibit „Mermaids & Manatees | The Art of Sirens and Sea Cows.“

The Return and Community Response

The authorities announced that the statue has been returned, though intriguingly, the individual who brought it back is not the same person seen in the video footage of the theft. According to Local 10 News, Wilton Manors Police Detective Haley Plant indicated that the returner hinted at knowledge of the statue’s origins, raising questions about the motivations behind its return.

Castillo has expressed her renewed faith in humanity, finding it heartwarming that the community cares so deeply for the Rainbow Manatee. „It is incredible that people care,“ she shared, underscoring the statue’s emotional connection to the city and its residents.

A Call for Help

The suspicious circumstances surrounding the theft sparked a community response, with police appealing for information. The theft had occurred around 1 a.m., and Detective Plant encourages anyone with possible video footage or tips to reach out to the Wilton Manors Police Department at 954-390-2172 or contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. The community’s watchful eyes may be the key to preventing similar incidents, especially after another such event in May 2023 when park art was vandalized.

Castillo remains committed to the Rainbow Manatee and will go as far as creating a replacement if the original were not returned. For her, it’s not about monetary value but the communal joy the sculpture represents.

This kaleidoscopic figure remains a testament to Wilton Manors‘ identity, and its return sparked relief and happiness among residents. “Here’s to hoping for more moments like this, where we see love and community spirit triumph over mischief,” one local resident remarked. In a world where art is often seen as simply decorative, the Rainbow Manatee reveals how a piece can serve as a pivotal part of our shared humanity and connection to one another.