Here at Showcase, community is not only a tradition; it’s important to us. We’re fortunate to have the opportunities of working with a variety of organizations, charities, and events that help communities thrive. It’s also our chance to be part of something bigger than ourselves and work to make the world a little better, and we have a good time doing it. It’s fun, and it hopefully has a lasting, positive impact.

Save Crystal River is an organization that makes just that sort of impact. This community non-profit organization is completely citizen-based and run, with a dedication to the conservation and rehabilitation of Florida waterways. Through fundraising and membership events, Save Crystal River creates programs for restoration, cleanup, protection and preservation of the marine life that is so essential to a thriving ecosystem.

“Protecting our coastal areas and waters means that the generations after us will be able to enjoy them just as much as we do for decades into the future,” says Terry Thompson, SCR Treasurer. “Healthy, thriving marine and sea environments mean we have cleaner water and air, better fishing, and our tourism remains vibrant, too. People want to come here and enjoy seeing what Florida has to offer, like the manatees.”

Let’s be honest: Manatees just make people smile. These gentle, unassuming creatures are the antithesis of the alligator – our other Florida marine mascot. Where gators are fierce, manatees are friendly. Gators have a mouthful of regenerating teeth, a bite force of around 2000 PSI, and a death roll. Manatees have cute little snouts with whiskers, are vegetarians, and pluck seaweed from the bottom of the ocean for their dinner.
Nothing against alligators, per se – apex predators are just as important to our local environment (and the occasional golf outing). It’s just that when you see a manatee, you kind of feel protective of them. They make ideal ambassadors because of sheer cuteness alone, but they serve an even bigger purpose. Manatees help prevent vegetation from becoming overgrown, consume water hyacinth and other invasive species, and are critical to improving the overall health of their – and our – ecosystem. How can anyone not love them?

“Protecting our coastal areas and waters means that the generations after us will be able to enjoy them just as much as we do for decades into the future. Healthy, thriving marine and sea environments mean we have cleaner water and air, better fishing, and our tourism remains vibrant, too. People want to come here and enjoy seeing what Florida has to offer, like the manatees.”

–Terry Thompson, SCR Treasurer

On July 1, SCR unveiled nine fiberglass statues in the town square, all painted on commission by local artists and sponsored by different businesses. Each manatee had its own unique theme and look: “Lady Liberty” was swathed in the American flag, while “Thalassa” sported a beach-themed motif with flamingos and marine colors, and then there were “Pete” who was festooned in fish, and “Faye”, who remained her authentic manatee self, but with a touch more dramatic flair.

“It was one of the best-attended First Friday events we’ve ever had,” says Terry Thompson, Treasurer of Save Crystal River. “The whole place was packed the entire evening, and everyone seemed to have a really good time. It was encouraging to see so much support for what we’re doing.”

Showcase Properties is the proud sponsor of “Elvis”, designed by Gil Watson and painted by artist Nena Orsorio. He’s more of a mid-70’s embodiment of The King, with his brilliant white jumpsuit and lapels, colorful studded rhinestones, and a truly impressive mass of chest hair. Osorio had a blast creating his look.

“I don’t know when I’ve had so much fun,” she laughs. “When we came up with Elvis, it was so funny; someone asked, ‘What about bling? Can we put bling on this?’ It took a lot of gluing, but it turned out great. I went to about six different stores and online to find that bling.”

She devoted a lot of time sifting through the vast and comprehensive history of Presley’s career, wanting to be as authentic as possible with the statue’s look and style.

“I did a lot of research, and my mom is a big Elvis fan, so I grew up with Elvis stuff all over the place,” she explains. “There were a lot of iterations of his look over his career; the younger Elvis was a little too young and too skinny. The white jumpsuit is just so iconic, it’s unmistakable. It came out way better than I expected.”

A close-up of Elvis' bling
It took Nena about a month to pull it all together and paint the statue, then add shading and finally glue on all that bling. Then it was sent in for a final layer of protective coating to prevent erosion from the elements, since many of the final pieces will be placed outdoors, including Elvis. Then The King was ready for his unveiling and eventual installation at Kings Bay Park in Citrus Springs, which is planned for later this year.

“It’s going to be a major focal point, and a lot of people are going to come, which I’m really excited about,” she says, adding, “But I was initially a little freaked out about it. I had some imposter syndrome there for a while. I’m not originally from here, but we’ve made Crystal River our home for thirteen years, and we love it here. I’m really proud to have been able to contribute to this project and hopefully help the community and Save Crystal River’s mission.”

Click here to learn more about artist Nena Orsorio.

A close-up of the sponsorship/name plaque