TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) - Early this morning crews removed the statue of Princess Ulele from a grassy area near the Tampa Riverwalk.
The Tampa Mayor’s Office wanted the large statue of Princess Ulele removed. The bust has been stationed near the Tampa Riverwalk since last December.
(Source: Photojournalist Joseph Parker)
It was commissioned by Columbia Restaurant Group President Richard Gonzmart to honor Florida’s Native Americans.
The Columbia Restaurant Group got the word the statue needs to be moved.
“I ordered and paid for this statue to honor the Native Americans, such as Ulele, who lived in this area long before us,” Gonzmart said.
“It’s been a wonderful addition to the Riverwalk and guests have taken thousands of photos of it. But I have been told repeatedly that Mayor Buckhorn wants it moved from that location.”
It will stay in a warehouse until a permanent place can be found.