CAPE CORAL, Fla. — People in Cape Coral are familiar with Big John, the towering statue that has become a local icon.
WHERE TO? Big John statue is moving
Big John has endured the merciless forces of Hurricanes Ian and Milton, leaving him in a precarious state. Now, he is making his way from his beloved spot at Big John’s Plaza, right past the local shops that treasure his presence. This journey isn’t just a move; it’s a mission for restoration.
He is being transported by crane to Brand 1 Ink, a supportive local business in Cape Coral well-versed in the art of fiberglass repair. Here, skilled artisans will carefully restore Big John to his former glory.
Elmer Tabor, the owner of Big John’s Plaza, stands devotedly by his creation. For him, Big John is more than a statue; he symbolizes resilience, standing watch over the strip mall day after day, only to be temporarily removed until Sunday, November 10.
“He ended up getting some fractures on his chest area that he didn’t have before. Since he’s a fiberglass shell, it’s just like repairing a boat. The only thing is, he’s big,” Tabor remarks, reflecting on the challenges at hand.
At a staggering 28 feet tall and tipping the scales at about 6,000 pounds, Big John embodies a physical presence that is hard to ignore. The bruising winds from the hurricanes cracked his surface, and now a pole that was originally meant for support has tragically pierced through his head, a somber reminder of the storms’ wrath.
Yet, despite the setbacks, Tabor holds an optimistic vision for the future. “He is gonna come back and be standing there for the next 100 years,” he asserts, capturing a sense of hope that resonates with the community.
In a world that thrives on change, Big John stands tall as a testament to endurance, simply waiting for his time to shine once more—restored, rejuvenated, and ready to greet residents and visitors alike. A small note of whimsy for the curious: Big John was inspired by classic roadside attractions, a nod to the love people have for quirky, larger-than-life statues.
