COCOA BEACH — Built to withstand the fury of outside elements -- just like the legend himself -- a 91/2-foot-high bronze statue of 10-time surfing world champion Kelly Slater officially was unveiled Wednesday afternoon.
Hundreds of people -- some bringing babies, others bringing dogs -- took a late lunch or played hooky to see the black tarp slip away, showcasing the ultimate compliment to a homegrown star.
"I've never thought they'd stop traffic for me," joked Slater, who appeared with his brothers, Sean and Stephen; girlfriend, Kalani; and mom, Judy. "Lots of memories come to mind as I see this."
Situated where a Christmas tree stands this time of year, the city of Cocoa Beach now has a new, year-round ornament at Triangle Park on State Road A1A, across from the "Glass Bank."
Mayor Skip Beeler read a proclamation, highlighting Slater's various accomplishments, and then labeled Nov. 17
as "Kelly Slater Day," much to the delight of the crowd as car horns blared.
"I think he really deserves it," said Elene Jeschke, a 26-year resident of the city, who attended with her husband, Gilbert. "It's a big deal."
Former Cocoa Beach City Commissioner Tony Sasso also read a congratulatory letter sent by Gov. Charlie Crist, in which he wrote, "Well done, my friend. Florida is most proud of you."
Slater's statue joins the likes of other celebrities immortalized in bronze. Some of those include likenesses of Michael Jordan, Jim Thorpe, Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Ted Williams, Dan Marino and even "Rocky." Slater said he's never seen those, but he occasionally pays homage to the Duke Kahanamoku statue in Waikiki by leaving a lei to honor "the father" of surfing.
"It's pretty crazy," said Slater, signing autographs on everything from postcards to sneakers. "I don't put myself (in their class) . . . but this is a nice gesture."
The statue (and accompanying plaque) was a concept created by Cocoa Beach's Sam Drazich and his sister, Tasha, an accomplished artist who graduated from Cocoa Beach Jr./Sr. High in Sean's class.
Full report at Florida Today.com
