![\"\"](\"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Blinky-the-Alligator-jungle-gym-Rendering-via-Furr-Wegman-Architects.jpg\")
Blinky,\u00a0or as some locals liked to call him, \u201cOne-eyed Joe<\/a>,\u201d\u00a0used to\u00a0freely roam downtown Lakeland\u00a0as a\u00a0beloved communal pet.\u00a0While you might be hard-pressed to find such a friendly alligator these days, the 70s in Lakeland were,\u00a0well, a different time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With frequent pats on the head and treats delivered right to him, Blinky was considered a relatively harmless member of the greater Lakeland family. He was, after all, as much of Lakeland\u2019s mascot at that time as our ever-beloved swans are today. Children frequently visited him at his Lake Mirror home to feed him table scraps, but his favorites were reported to be marshmallows and popcorn<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like all good things, Blinky\u2019s downtown residence and closeness with Lakeland\u2019s children did come to an end. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Blinky\u2019s demise comes from one local\u2019s daring decision to\u00a0give Blinky a kiss\u00a0right on his toothy snout. While\u00a0the kisser came out unharmed\u00a0a photo of the moment but it garnered attention from the\u00a0Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<\/a>, who ultimately called for Blinky\u2019s removal.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In\u00a01979, Blinky was moved to his new home in\u00a0Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a time, a metal structure commemorated Blinky beside Lake Mirror. Although that sculpture has since been removed, a newer and much larger tribute to our dearly departed mascot is coming to Lakeland next year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n