The South Miami Manatees join the infamous list of animals found loitering along sidewalks and public right of ways as part of misguided art in public places programs. The movement may have started with the Chicago Cows, but South Florida has repeatedly lowered the bar with flamingos on Miami Beach, roosters in Little Havana, peacocks in Coconut Grove, pink snails on the Beach and Coral Gables, and now sea cows in South Miami.
No matter what good cause is being supported, or how many cute kids or worthwhile organizations are responsible for the individual sculptures, there really is no excuse for these enormous tacky herds crowding public space. Read on for details of the South Miami Manatee Fest.
And manatees? We thought the pink snails were bad. But these groupings
of color vomit make Romero Britto's work looking edgy. Plus, who decreed
that only native weakling South Florida animals can be given this
"honor?" If the rest of the country isn't already convinced we're
pussies, their minds will surely be made up now.
We do credit the
latest program for upping the corn significantly with the inclusion of
baby manatees in the warm embrace of their parent. Apparently, loveable,
cuddly, fat sea cows were not wimpy enough without bringing pups into
the fray.
You can pick up a map to find out where exactly these manatees are hanging out in different business throughout South Miami -- there's at least four at the corner of Red Road and Sunset Drive next to the Shops at Sunset Place. But no matter how tempting, please refrain from picking them up and dumping them in waterways.
Check out our photo gallery, and if you can't get enough there's a video at the end (right before you kill yourself).
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