The dragon-shaped green concrete sculpture known as ‘Annie’ once dominated the southern tip of Merritt Island, where the Indian River Lagoon splits into the Banana River Lagoon. Built in 1971 by Florida artist Lewis VanDercar and property owner Aynn Christal, the 20-ton structure was hauled to Dragon Point by wheelbarrow along a wooden boardwalk—the only access at the time. Local boaters and visitors recognized it as a quirky fixture, though its fiery reputation was more legend than reality. The sculpture’s design drew from an American Indian legend claiming that seeing a dragon rise from the mist where the rivers meet signaled good fortune.
Dragon Point itself was home to a more traditional landmark: the Dragon Point Mansion, constructed in 1961. The estate featured three fireplaces, cedar decks, teak parquet floors, and a 20-foot copper bar. But the mansion’s grandeur faded as the focus shifted to the dragon. ‘Annie’ became a symbol of the area’s eccentric charm, even if its ability to ‘breathe fire’ was never confirmed. Stories circulated about its construction, including how the concrete and steel were transported to the site with no other access than the narrow boardwalk.
The sculpture’s presence reflected the creative spirit of Merritt Island in the 1970s. VanDercar, a local artist, and Christal, the property owner, collaborated on the project, blending art with the natural landscape. Over time, though, ‘Annie’ fell into disrepair. By the early 2000s, the structure was abandoned, its vibrant green paint faded to gray. Today, the site is a quiet reminder of a bygone era, with only a few photos and local memories keeping the dragon’s story alive.
Efforts to preserve Merritt Island’s history often highlight ‘Annie’ as an example of the region’s unique character. While the sculpture no longer stands, its legacy endures in the stories of those who remember it. The Indian River Lagoon, once a backdrop to its fiery legend, still draws visitors, though now without the dragon’s watchful gaze.