The 1,000-pound pirate statue that welcomed guests to The Buccaneer Inn from 1957 to 2000 was located at the entrance of Dream Island Road. It was a landmark for residents.

In 2010, the Longboat Key Historical Society mentioned wanting to remove the statue to give it a permanent home on public land, something that had been discussed the previous two years.

When residents heard about the possible relocation, they became worried that a move could damage their beloved pirate. The Historical Society wanted to work with the residents to keep him safe. The issue of who owned the pirate statue then came to light.

The Dream Island Road residents and Grand Mariner Realtor Reid Murphy worked together over the past year in a “save the pirate” campaign. Grand Mariner owners offered to protect the pirate that once kept the neighborhood safe. He was repainted and moved safely to where “x” marks the spot: by the poolside at Grand Mariner.

“Our pirate is alive and well and he is waiting for the day he can make a reappearance at the entrance of Dream

 

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