We recently spent a very pleasurable afternoon at Marina Jack in Sarasota, Florida. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had added a covered dog-friendly section since our last visit. It was fun to be able to bring our dog, Farrah, and to enjoy the captivating Bay view without baking in the hot sun during lunch. After perusing a reasonably extensive patio menu, we chose the Blackened Grouper Tacos and a BLT Turkey Melt. Both were delectable, as was the always enjoyable Chalk Hill Chardonnay. Farrah sampled a little of everything…except the wine. Our waiter was kind enough to substitute a bowl of nice cold water.
After lunch, we walked Farrah in Bayfront Park, where the magnificent “Unconditional Surrender” sculpture is now located between Marina Jack and O’Leary’s Tiki Bar and Grill. The twenty-five foot sculpture created by J. Seward Johnson commemorates the surrender of the Japanese on August 14, 1945 which ended World War II. It depicts a United States sailor and a nurse embracing in Times Square in New York City. My father, a World War II veteran, once told me about the sheer joy and euphoria everyone felt that day. After the Great Depression and a horrific war, people were filled with hope again.
The “Unconditional Surrender” sculpture was purchased by another World War II veteran, Jack Curran, who donated it to the City of Sarasota. It continues to be a source of fascination to visitors to the area. On any given day, you can spot tourists posing for pictures under the enormous sculpture.
