Each city, county, and region in the world has its own share of monuments and landmarks that form part of its identity and culture. From installation art to surprise murals, Tampa Bay has several of its own roadside oddities that would get passersby and other visitors to the area curious of their origins. Here are some of them and the stories behind them.
Recognize the giant metallic reptile that is permanently flicking its tongue out to catch a bug? That’s Security Lizard, the work of late St. Pete artist Paul Eppling.
Eppling turned everyday items into fantastical sculptures, transforming garden tools and lawnmowers into gators, birds and more. Security Lizard, for example, was created using license plates and other car parts. It was affixed to the roof of the St. Petersburg Fleet Maintenance building, where it can be seen by passing drivers.
(Image credit: gg1electrice60/Flickr)