Commission approves citrus‑themed sculpture for Dover/Little/Durant roundabout after debate over religious imagery

The board approved an artist’s concept for public art in the Durant/Little/Dover Road roundabout, voting 5–2 to fund an approximately 8‑foot bronze sculpture budgeted at $95,000 from the county’s public‑art program. Josh Palati, engineering and operations department, described the piece as portraying a mythic character representing agriculture and a nod to the local citrus farming history. The cost is budgeted within the public art plan in the FY25 adopted capital improvement program.

Commissioner Christine Miller, who moved approval, emphasized the funding is drawn from the public art program and "does not take away from road construction, flood mitigation, or other critical infrastructure projects." Commissioner Donna Cameron Cepeda opposed the proposed figure on cultural and religious grounds and moved for staff and the public art committee to collaborate with the artist on an alternative design that would avoid religious connotations; that substitute motion failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Cameron Cepeda told the board: "For many faith based residents, including those in our farming communities, the installation of a pagan goddess is considered deeply inappropriate and offensive."

The board discussed alternatives — basic vegetated medians, xeriscape landscaping, or a neutral agricultural motif such as crops or strawberries — and confirmed the $95,000 would remain in the public art program if the commission waived the public art policy. Commissioner Miller argued a visible centerpiece also supports traffic safety by alerting drivers to slow for the roundabout. The final vote approved the artist concept; the tally was 5‑2, with Commissioners Cameron Cepeda and Joshua Wostel voting no. Staff said the public art committee and site advisory group recommended the selection and that community input was sought during the selection process.