FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – The fight over the future of a beloved Fernandina Beach pirate statue has been paused after discussions of safety concerns and the potential discovery of human remains inside the statue.
The city’s Historic District Council (HDC) met Thursday to discuss a proposal that would send the aging “Fernandina Pirate” statue to the Amelia Island Museum of History and replace it with a new one.
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However, just hours before the meeting began, City Attorney Teresa Prince said she was approached by a “credible source” who said, “There are cremains that have been interred in Peg Leg Pete.”
Prince recommended the discussion be deferred so the city can investigate the claims and research proper removal.
Councilmembers said the city did not know the remains were there and that they were placed without permission.
The “Fernandina Pirate” statue has been in front of the Amelia Island Welcome Center since 1978. After over 40 years, the structure has experienced rapid deterioration.
“Right now, I would think he’s almost a liability, with still people climbing on him. If he was to crumble and fall over, he’s going to hurt somebody.” Joe Brown, President of Fernandina Pirates Club, said.
Two years ago, Pirates Club commissioned a local student, Jett Paxton, to carve the new statue and to be painted by artist Julie Delfs.
Some community members who spoke asked that the current Peg Leg Pete be restored, but others said that there is nothing left to repair.
“You can stick the best restorationist on there, but when you start removing what’s bad, there’s nothing left,” a councilmember said.
While looking over the proposal, officials said it lacked the features, such as safety, needed to be approved.
The HDC requested more details about the statue base and the proposed 30-inch fence that would surround it, as well as a risk assessment of the current statue vs the new one to help them make an informed decision.
“We’re not trying to replace Peg Leg Pete; we’re trying to preserve him. He needs to be retired and taken down. We don’t want to see him crumble,” Brown said.
The discussion has been tabled until the updated proposal is presented to the Council. If the proposal is approved by the HDC, it will then become the city commission’s responsibility to approve or deny installation.