Sarasota launches survey asking where residents would like the city to move the ‘Unconditional Surrender’ statue

 

City of Sarasota

 

We’re seeking additional public input about the relocation of Unconditional Surrender. The 25-foot-tall statue created by Seward Johnson is in the construction path of the new roundabout at US 41 and Gulfstream Ave. and must be relocated soon to allow the Florida Department of Transportation to begin site work.

 

Another large sculpture, Complexus (below left), currently on display near Gulfstream Ave. and US 41, also must be moved and tentatively will be relocated to the new Sarasota Art Museum on the grounds of the former Sarasota High School along US 41.
 

From the outset of our transparent decision making process, the relocation of Unconditional Surrender has been the topic of much debate and public input, including discussions by the City Commission, Public Art Committee and the Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection Advisory Board. Through those thoughtful talks, staff have pinpointed nine possible sites for Unconditional Surrender.

 

Last week the City Commission requested a survey be conducted to gather additional public feedback. In the online survey, Unconditional Surrender is superimposed onto each of the nine possible locations to provide a visual of what it would look like. Which one do you prefer? Please take the survey below and let us know. It’s brief – just two questions – and should take only a minute or two of your time.

 

The survey will close Friday, September 25 at 5 p.m. Then, we’ll tally the results for the City Commission to consider as part of its deliberation process when determining a site.

 

Please note:  The survey is for informational purposes. A date has not been set yet when the issue will be on the City Commission’s agenda. We’ll share that information when it’s available.