Fla. sailor statue damaged by runaway car

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SARASOTA, Fla., April 27 (UPI) -- A Florida statue inspired by the famous photo of a sailor kissing a nurse at the close of World War II was damaged by a car, officials said.

Police and Clifford Smith, senior planner for the city of Sarasota, said the "Unconditional Surrender" statue, which is hollow with a painted aluminum cast, was struck by a four-door Mercedes Thursday when the 60-year-old driver lost control of her car on northbound U.S. 41 and jumped the median, the Bradenton Herald reported Friday.

"When the car hit the statue ... the leg went in, which caused a crack that runs up to the sailor's jersey," Smith said.

A crane was brought in to move the statue to a grassy area about 50 feet away, where officials said it will be guarded by a police officer until it can be taken for repairs.

Police said the motorist is believed to have suffered from an adverse reaction to some medication and was released from Sarasota Memorial Hospital.