A Q&A with Gainesville’s
Most Famous Resident

Q: What is your real purpose?
A: I’m an earth-retaining wall, but I’m also well-known because I’m an official memorial for the student murder victims.

Q: Who’s responsible for keeping your appearance wholesome?
A: The Department of Transportation. They slap a new coat on me every now and then. If someone vandalizes the memorial, Sadie Darnell from the Gainesville Police Depart-ment takes care of it.

Q: Speaking of the police department, do you realize that under Florida Statute 806.13 for criminal mischief painting you is actually considered a crime?
A: Yeah, but it's obviously not enforced. If it was I’d imagine half the student body would have a record…that would be kind of cool.

Q: You know you’re the only place in town where graffiti artists can exhibit their skills without reprimand.
A: Yeah, and I’m happy to offer my services that way. But all the other stuff—I don’t appreciate it. Why can't a guy propose in person, by e-mail or something?

Q: So I take it you don’t like the personal messages?
A: Absolutely. I have become a victim of reckless statement.

Q: What do you mean?
A: Birthdays, anniversaries, love notes—whatever happened to the old-fashioned greeting card?

Q: Do you have any favorite colors?
A: No. It would be nice if some sort of color scheme were developed. I feel like a rainbow threw up on me.

Story by Samantha Ahl & Joy Carlson-Waters