Extensive structural repairs behind delays in return of Cape Coral’s 'Big John'

CAPE CORAL, Fla. —

The long delay in the return of Cape Coral’s “Big John” statue comes down to one thing: What was supposed to be a simple repair turned into a full structural rebuild.

The iconic statue was taken down in October 2024 after plans were announced to restore it following damage from three hurricanes over two years. Initial projections called for a relatively quick turnaround, with updates last year suggesting the statue would be back by mid-summer, then by Christmas, and later by late January.

But once restoration work began, crews discovered the damage was far more extensive than expected.

Clinton Strand, owner of Brand One Ink, took on the rebuild as a favor to one of his close friends, who owns the statue. After opening up the structure, his team found significant internal deterioration.

“We replaced all that steel," Strand said. "Then in the repair process, we found a lot of thin fiberglass that is not really structural, so we went in and repaired and reinforced his entire body."

Instead of a cosmetic paint job, the project became a comprehensive structural overhaul. Crews replaced compromised steel supports and reinforced weak fiberglass throughout the statue to improve its durability against future storms.

Strand said the goal is to ensure Big John lasts at least another 60 years — if not longer.

“It makes me feel bad that it’s taking us so long, but it makes me feel good to know that when it goes up, it’ll be the best," he said. "He’ll be the best that he can be."

At the workshop in Cape Coral, the statue currently lies flat with its body and legs separated as work continues. The team plans to reattach the sections soon before applying a fresh coat of paint. Once painted, the statue will need time to dry before it can be transported back to its longtime spot along Cape Coral Parkway.

If everything goes smoothly, Big John could return sometime next month. However, Strand said he is not committing to a firm date, given the complexity of the work.

For nearby business owners and residents who work in the plaza along Cape Coral Parkway and Southeast 47th Terrace, where Big John once stood, the wait has been noticeable.

“All the retailers in this area refer to this as 'Big John’s Plaza,' and Big John hasn’t been here,” said Sig Bushman, a nearby retail worker.

When the statue finally returns, Bushman said he hopes the community can mark the occasion.

“I’m hoping that we can all celebrate," he said. "We can do some kind of outdoor sales and just celebrate his return."

Until then, the delays serve as a reminder that restoring a local landmark can require more than just a fresh coat of paint.

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