Man wants Confederate statue removed from Lake Eola

Statue has been by Lake Eola for 100 years

ORLANDO, Fla. – For 100 years, the Confederate Memorial has stood by Lake Eola.

But one man wants to see it moved.

"With everything going on in the country, we don't need any more division," said Joseph LaFleur.

LaFleur says he's noticed the monument before but it wasn't until this weekend when he really took a good look at it.

"It just kind of rubbed me the wrong way because I have seen over the weekend in New Orleans, they're actively taking down the Confederate statues because the Confederate statues don't represent the diversity. Especially here in Orlando that we're known for," said LaFleur.

Cassandra Lafser with the city of Orlando tells News 6 the statue was a gift to the city in 1911 from the Daughter's of the Confederacy.

It was placed at Lake Eola Park in 1917.

"I totally understand if it's history. Like most history items, they go in museums," said LaFleur.

The statue sits in Commissioner Patty Sheehan's district.

She's heard complaints about it for several years.

She said she would like to see it moved to Greenwood Cemetery  in the Civil War area.

But that would require the City Council's input and approval.

LaFleur says he's working to get that ball rolling.

"I've had a few activists reach out to me. I've discussed it in a chat with some of my friends. We are looking to reach out to the district four commissioner just to see what changes she can implement. And where we can move next as far getting this from a conversation we're talking about action. Because action is key," said LaFleur.

News 6 called and emailed the Daughter's of the Confederacy to get a comment.

We are still waiting for a response. 


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