Gator head launch delayed by construction

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A Florida artist behind a plan to float a giant alligator head down the Intracoastal Waterway said the project was delayed by construction issues.

Hollywood artist Lloyd Goradesky and Everglades historian Cesar Becerra said they had planned to launch the 40-ton alligator head, made of reclaimed parts and titled "Floating Tile Art: Gator in the Bay," Sunday, but the plans were delayed by issues with construction, the South Florida Sun Sentinel reported Monday.

Goradesky, who said the head may be launched Monday, said the gator is controlled by a self-propelled barge built into the head and a crane boom inside the sculpture opens and closes its three-story-tall mouth.

"It's safe to say something like this has never been done before," Goradesky said.

Becerra said the project is aimed at raising awareness of restoration efforts for the Everglades' ecosystem.