Mystery bust found overlooking Skyway Bridge

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

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The bust strongly resembles that of former St. Petersburg mayor Richard Misener.

ST. PETERSBURG (Bay News 9) -- Early Thursday morning a concrete bust made its debut on the Richard Misener Bridge, greeting drivers heading south toward the Skyway Bridge's north toll booth.

Police were called, letting them know the bust may be the one stolen from outside the Columbian Restaurant in Ybor City in early February.

Shortly after, St. Petersburg police officers arrived and determined it's not the bust stolen from Ybor City. They tried to remove it only to find out it's glued to the top of a concrete barrier with epoxy.

Officers secured the area until Department of Transportation workers arrived to remove the bust without damaging the bridge or the bust. Meanwhile, St. Petersburg police investigators followed leads to figure out how it got there.

More Information

The search led to the mausoleum at Woodlawn Memory Gardens and a bronze bust of Richard Misener, the marine construction magnate and mayor who was instrumental in the development of what is now St. Pete Beach, who's interred there.

Investigators found the name of an artist stamped on the backside of the concrete bust, which resembles the late Misener and also the bronze bust erected at his mausoleum. They think the two may have been formed from the same mold.

It may turn out it was indeed Misener's likeness that sat perched atop the bridge.

FDOT workers said the bust must have been glued to the concrete wall less than 24 hours because the epoxy underneath was still wet. It took them less than half an hour to safely remove the bust in one piece.

It will remain in the custody of St. Petersburg police for safe keeping until investigators make contact with the Misener family.

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