A concrete dragon named '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 constructed using wheelbarrows as the only access was a wooden boardwalk. The sculpture’s design drew from an American Indian legend that spotting a dragon rising from the mist where the rivers meet brings good fortune. Locals and boaters alike recognized the green concrete dragon as a unique feature of the area for decades.
The Dragon Point estate, built in 1961, provided the backdrop for 'Annie.' The mansion included three fireplaces, cedar decks, teak floors, and a 20-foot copper bar. Its location at the edge of the lagoon made it a popular spot for residents and visitors. The dragon sculpture, positioned near the estate, became a fixture of the landscape, though its purpose was never clear beyond its symbolic and aesthetic value.
Dragon Point lies at the southern end of Merritt Island, a region known for its intricate network of waterways. The area’s natural beauty and historical significance made 'Annie' a point of interest for boaters navigating the lagoon. Over time, the sculpture weathered exposure to saltwater and storms, but it remained a recognizable landmark until its removal. No official records detail when the structure was taken down, but its absence has left a gap in the local history of the region.
Today, the site where 'Annie' once stood is largely unchanged, though the dragon’s legacy persists in local memory. The estate, now privately owned, still stands, but the sculpture’s story remains a part of Merritt Island’s history. For those who remember it, 'Annie' was more than a piece of art—it was a symbol of the island’s connection to both its natural environment and its quirky past.