Giant lobster takes over U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys

[Miss Mia]

Giant lobster takes over U.S. 1 in the Florida Keys



 The giant lobster of Plantation Key found its new home Friday morning in the Florida Keys. Betsey, who stands three stories tall, is now out in front of the Rain Barrel Artisan Village shopping complex at mile marker 86.7 of U.S. 1.

Betsey is made of metal and fiberglass. She is a detailed, biologically accurate depiction of a female spiny lobster.

Betsey's new home is directly across U.S. 1 from her longtime perch at Treasure Village, a former shopping complex that has converted to a school. The statue was disassembled and removed from public view for refurbishment and possible sale last year, and at one point had a list price of $400,000.

"The giant lobster and Lorelei mermaid are the local tourism icons," said Judy Hull, Islamorada Chamber of Commerce executive director. "When tourists come into our visitor center, we get the question: 'What's the story of the giant lobster?'"

The story began with artist Richard Blaze, then living in Marathon. He used his fiberglass skills to create dinosaurs and other statuary, primarily for miniature golf courses.

Blaze was commissioned by a restaurant to create the giant lobster, but the business shuttered before the lobster was unveiled. The late Tom Vellanti then acquired the giant lobster for display at his Treasure Village complex.

-snip-

Sure it's not a real lobster, though would be totally cool and not really out of place in Florida if it was...the Godzilla of Florida. 

[Lord Undies]

I'm glad it found a home.  Usually, when I think of the Florida Keys, I think of a giant fruitcake.

[Miss Mia]

I'm glad it found a home.  Usually, when I think of the Florida Keys, I think of a giant fruitcake.

The World's Largest Fruitcake is created on request by Gladys Farek of Cistern. It weighs 150 pounds and costs a meager $998.00.

Linky