LTC 178-2007 Cannon Discovered at Belle Isle~ NII ANI I BEAC H
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC # 178-2007
LETTER TO COMMISSION
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TO: Mayor David Dermer and Members of the City Commission --?
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FROM: City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez - ~
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DATE: July 25~ 2~~7 f ~ r~
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SUB~ECT: CANNON DISCOVERED AT BELLE ISLE
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On Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at approximately 10:00 AM, during an excavation process at the
City's construction site at Belle Isle, a cannon was discovered by a construction crew in a
three-foot entrenched area adjacent to the Standard Hotel (formerly the Lido Spa), located at
40 Island Avenue. Upon its discovery, City staff contacted the Historical Museum of
Southern Florida (HMSF) immediately to verify its authenticity.
Subsequently, Mr. Jorge Zamanillo, curator from the HMSF acknowledged that the cannon
may have historical significance. Mr. Zamanillo stated that the burial may have resulted from
the wreckage of a Spanish ship. He added that the cannon's style dates to the late 1 gtn
century. The cannon may have been previously a part of a private estate that was located on
the site. It is possible that it was placed on the waterfront and later removed to the front of
the Monterey Inn, when the property was purchased. It appears that the cannon may have
been abandoned by the Lido Owners when they constructed the Hotel over the demolished
Monterey and they buried it in the right of way.
According to the curator, the cannon is in need of conservation. Electrolysis is a method that
is commonly used to remove the corrosion and stabilize the artifacts. The State Bureau of
Archaeological Research, which assisted with the preliminary identification of the cannon,
recommends that if the City intends to display the cannon in a public property such as a
park, the State may assist with preserving the cannon for a reduced fee. However, the City
would have to arrange to.have it delivered to Tallahassee at their headquarters.
Per the County's recommendation, the cannon was reburied below the water table for
temporary preservation at Belle Isle. Additionally, Mr. Zamanillo and the State will further
their research on the cannon and will update the City on their findings. The City's Historic
Preservation Officer will continue to determine the historical significance of the artifact, to
evaluate its preservation and to determine an appropriate location for its exhibition.
JM h\OAJ
Attachment
c: Tim Hemstreet, Assistant City Manager
Jorge Chartrand, CIP Director