Local

St. Augustine statue needs major repair

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The St. Augustine Foot Soldiers Monument is in need of repair.

The sculptor, Brain R. Owens, noticed a pink discoloration along the sculpture's bronze base at a civil rights 50th anniversary ceremony in July.

Owens says the discoloration “will probably spread if not dealt with properly.”

The repairs could cost up to $2,240.

The company that cast the monument, Bronzart Foundry in Sarasota, says, “This would involve two men working for about eight hours, applying a new patina to the affected areas.”

Jim Piggott, the city general services director says, "It should be washed and waxed by a person with experience maintaining outdoor sculpture every six months and monitored for any signs of trouble.”

Reports say St. Augustine has some $10,000 in funds for city monument maintenance.