Tampa rips out Ulele statue in the dark of night

Editor’s Note: Ulele was a Native American princess who rescued a Spanish captive named Juan Ortiz from execution by her father, Chief Ucita. These events are believed to have taken place in Tampa, Florida. Tampa has repaid this kindness by removing a beautiful statue of Ulele from its riverwalk erected by a local business owner of a restaurant also named Ulele in her honor. (I am currently finishing up a children’s book about Ulele called Uleyli- The Princess & Pirate: The True Story of Florida’s Pocahontas. Learn more about this unfortunate news below:

Tampa, a representative of which called it “clutter,” moved in the dark of the night on Tuesday to rip out an 1,100 pound statue intended to honor the Native Americans of Florida.

The artwork was a bust of Ulele, the daughter of the Tocobaga chief Hirrihigua. She is credited with saving the life of a young Spaniard named Juan Ortiz who came to Florida with the expedition of Pinfilo de Narvaez in 1527.

The gigantic bronze bust portrays Ulele and was placed by Richard Gonzmart, the owner of the Ulele Restaurant. It was a few yards away from the Tampa Riverwalk, but not far enough away to satisfy the city. According to Gonzmart, the removal was ordered by the city’s mayor, Bob Buckhorn. The mayor denies that, but one thing is clear: city crews arrived in the middle of the night and ripped out the artwork with a large crane.

Read the full story here: https://twoegg.tv/2018/09/ulele/