Local

Landmark carousel in St. Augustine to be dismantled

9/12/19 UPDATE: 

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The St. Augustine commissioner told Action News Jax that the carousel will be dismantled and taken to Port Charlotte.

According to one of the workers at the carousel, it will shut down Sunday.

Action News Jax reporter Ryan Nelson is working to speak with the family that owns the carousel and the St. Augustine City Manager -- watch the full report on CBS47 at 5 p.m.

ORIGINAL STORY: 

The future is uncertain for the iconic Davenport Park carousel in St. Augustine.

City leaders discussed what may happen to it at Monday’s commission meeting after learning the owner passed away Friday.

Many describe it as a labor of love or gift.

“Every time my son and I drive by, he yells out, ‘Dad! There’s the carousel!’” said local father Matt Lowry.

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The city of St. Augustine told Action News Jax the owner of the carousel passed away Friday leaving the future of treasured landmark is uncertain.

City manager John Regan informed commissioners on Monday he was told the owner’s widow was considering dismantling it.

“We just learned of this. It’s a sad circumstance, both on his passing and possibly losing this iconic element,” he said.

TRENDING: 

“I was really disappointed to hear it,” said Courtney Vickery, a mother Action News Jax interviewed in the park. “And hoping it wasn’t true.”

Regan tells us the city wants to keep the carousel running, but wants to be respectful of the owner’s family as they discuss its future.

Neighbors hope it stays here for years to come.

“It’s one of the only ones around, so I hope that they can save the carousel!” said Vickery.