Moose are known to possess super strength. The mighty moose standing tall over the Island Moose Lodge, 110 Gulf Drive S., Bradenton Beach, can take wind speeds up to 130 mph.
The new moose is made of aluminum, with a height of 6 feet and a full frame of antlers that spread like the palm fronds of nearby trees, said Ernie Casali, administrator of the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188.
The moose was installed on the lodge roof about a week ago, and was unveiled May 1, with Bradenton Beach Mayor Bob Bartelt and Bradenton Beach Police Chief Sam Speciale removing a tarp to reveal the statue to a cheering, applauding crowd.
In the parking lot, the lodge served barbecue ribs and sausages, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s Christmas fund for the Safe Children’s Coalition.
Casali encouraged the crowd to eat, and guests to visit inside the lodge.
The lodge was once adorned with a real moose head that was encased in fiberglass, but still not resilient to the salty air. Casali said the head was refurbished twice before it was removed.
“He was too far gone to finish again. He was sent to the bone yard,” he said.
Other changes have occurred to spruce up the Moose lodge, including a new railing along the west side of the parking lot, which will curb people from leaping from the lot to the back patio.
Inside, the dining room has been decorated in Key West colors, with new tablecloths added.
Also, said Casali, “We are adding tiki poles.”
Earlier this year, Casali told city officials, several of whom are members of the 42-year-old lodge, about long- and short-term plans.
Eventually, the membership might pursue adding a second story.
“We are seeking advice from an experienced builder on the Island for a price guestimate,” Casali said.
He added, “We are not going to sit idle. We are constantly doing some sort of improvement.”
What a monstrocity! Can it double as a cell phone tower?