Landmark Dragon Point Sold, Annie Looks For A Comeback
By Space Coast Daily // January 17, 2015
new owner may rebuild updated version of annie
ABOVE VIDEO: Annie the Dragon was one of Brevard County’s most recognizable landmarks for more than three decades. The pale green dragon sat on the southern tip of Merritt Island overlooking the Eau Gallie Causeway before it collapsed and broke apart in 2002.
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Dragon Point, one of Brevard County’s most famous and visible properties, has been sold for $800,000 to a yet to be announced buyer, according to listing agent DeWayne Carpenter of the The DeWayne Carpenter / Kirk Kessel Homeselling Team.
The iconic property, which was listed at $975,000, was sold to a local buyer who is planning to build a new house on the .86 acres that features more than 600 feet of waterfront.
Located on Merritt Island’s southern-most tip, the Dragon Point property sits at the convergence of the Banana and Indian River lagoons, offering majestical views of both sunrise and sunset, along with a stunning view of the Eau Gallie Causeway to the west and the popular Eau Gallie Yacht Club to the east.
The property offers a rare, 180 degree vantage point like no other on Merritt Island.
RICH HISTORY, LOYAL FOLLOWING
In 1971, sculptor Louis VanDercar built Annie, a 65 foot long concrete dragon that stood watch over the Indian and Banana River lagoon on the southernmost tip of Merritt Island, an area eventually and aptly named “Dragon Point.”
Annie served as a longtime Space Coast landmark for both locals and boaters, known as far away as New England as a meeting spot along the famous Intercoastal Waterway and great place to catch redfish.
Annie stood watch on Dragon Point for over three decades until August 2002.
The famous dragon, weathered by many years of erosion, salt spray and hurricanes, collapsed into the river lagoon.
Now 13 years later in 2015, only remnants of her shell remain.
After years of the property ownership being in limbo, a Brevard county judge has ruled that the current owner has clear title. Zoning variances are also in place for redevelopment.
In March 2014, the Brevard County Board of Adjustment unanimously granted five zoning variances that will let Dragon Point’s future landowner build a new mansion within the general footprint of the decrepit 5,707-square-foot home.
A children’s book about the dragon, River Dragon: A Real Florida Fairy Tale, was published in 2003.
Save Dragon Point, an organization dedicated to rebuilding the dragon statue, was founded in May 2012.
In August, the mansion on the property where the dragon had stood was scheduled to be demolished and the property sold.
The inaugural Dragon Boat Festival is planned for June 13, 2015. Proceeds are intended to benefit Save Dragon Point.
BELOW VIDEOS: In 1971, sculptor Louis VanDercar built Annie, a 65 foot long concrete dragon that stood watch over the Indian and Banana River lagoon on the southernmost tip of Merritt Island, an area eventually and aptly named “Dragon Point.”
