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Old Joe.

Old Joe: Metal Gator

Field review by the editors.

Mount Dora, Florida

In life, Old Joe was a reptilian horror who prowled the lakes around Mount Dora: a 15-foot-long alligator with a notorious appetite for small animals and livestock. But that was long ago, and by 2018 he was just a memory -- elevated to the status of "legend" -- and two local citizens decided to commemorate the gator with a life-size bronze replica. They were inspired by, of all things, a Florida statue they'd seen of the Beatles' John Lennon.

Old Joe was unveiled next to Lake Beauclair, one of his favorite hangouts. The 1,200-pound bronze likeness was crafted by the same foundry that created the statue of the Conch-Blowing Greeter of Key West. Old Joe is displayed at ground level so that he can be ridden by children, something that would have been disastrous with the real Old Joe. Although sitting on a bronze gator in shorts on a sunny summer afternoon can bring its own kind of danger....

Also see: Another Famous Florida Gator Named Old Joe

Old Joe: Metal Gator

Address:
411 S. Tremain St., Mount Dora, FL
Directions:
East end of Lake Dora across from Gilbert Park. Drive to the parking lot at the intersection of S. Tremain St. and Liberty Ave. You'll see Old Joe near the entrance to the parking lot for the Palm Island Boardwalk.
Save to My Sights

Nearby Offbeat Places

VW Bug SpiderVW Bug Spider, Mount Dora, FL - < 1 mi.
Starry Night HouseStarry Night House, Mount Dora, FL - < 1 mi.
Mellow Mushroom GuyMellow Mushroom Guy, Mount Dora, FL - 2 mi.
In the region:
Florida Citrus Tower, Clermont, FL - 17 mi.

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