Merritt Island's Iconic 'Annie' Dragon Sculpture Served as Longtime Lagoon Landmark

The 20-ton concrete and steel sculpture was a beloved local attraction for over 50 years.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:00am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the hazy silhouette of a large dragon sculpture against a warm, glowing sunset over a body of water, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the sculpture's enduring presence in the local community.For over 50 years, the iconic 'Annie' dragon sculpture was a beloved landmark and local attraction along the Merritt Island shoreline.Merritt Island Today

For over 50 years, a massive concrete and steel dragon sculpture known as 'Annie' stood as a beloved landmark on the southern tip of Merritt Island, Florida. The sculpture was built in 1971 by artist Lewis VanDercar and property owner Aynn Christal, who had to transport the materials by wheelbarrow due to the remote location's only access being a wooden boardwalk.

Why it matters

The 'Annie' dragon was a unique and quirky local attraction that became an iconic part of the Merritt Island community and a landmark for boaters navigating the nearby lagoon. Its demolition in 2022 marked the end of an era for this long-standing piece of Brevard County history and public art.

The details

The 'Annie' dragon sculpture was constructed using 20 tons of concrete and steel, painstakingly transported to the remote 'Dragon Point' location by wheelbarrow. The sculpture was the creation of Florida artist Lewis VanDercar and property owner Aynn Christal, who built it on their private land overlooking the Banana River lagoon.

  • The Dragon Point Mansion was built in 1961.
  • The 'Annie' dragon sculpture was constructed in 1971.

The players

Lewis VanDercar

A Florida artist who co-created the 'Annie' dragon sculpture in 1971.

Aynn Christal

The property owner who co-created the 'Annie' dragon sculpture in 1971 on her 'Dragon Point' land.

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What they’re saying

“The 'Annie' dragon was a unique and beloved part of the Merritt Island community for over 50 years.”

— Brevard County Historian

The takeaway

The demolition of the iconic 'Annie' dragon sculpture in 2022 marked the end of an era for this quirky and long-standing piece of Brevard County history and public art that had become an integral part of the local Merritt Island community.