T-Rex at Park Place strip mall in disrepair

The Park Place Strip Mall has a big nondescript marquee. You may recognize it, but you will recognize its other much more prominent landmark.

At about 15 feet tall, a cement dinosaur statue named T-Rex has stood as a landmark for decades.

But in its current condition, it is chipping away at the certainty of its future.

“It used to be a putt-putt golf and game place and they kept it. A lot of people used it as a landmark. I have family members who see it and like it,” said Laquitta McGlocking, a shopper.

With its eyes lit red, it's such an eye-catching landmark everyone seems to enjoy from business owners to a 3-year-old girl,whose dad couldn't tear her away from the attraction.

Russell Sibert loved it so much when he bought a grocery store 1 1/2 years ago that he made sure his shop was named "T-Rex" after the statue just steps from his front door.

After falling in disrepair once before, the orange statue that once collected mini golf balls with its right arm was restored by University of North Florida construction students, but that was 8 years ago.

“They did a good job, but it's kind of slipping now,” said Sibert.

College officials said the faculty involved in the project are no longer employed by UNF, and the college has no immediate plans.

Regardless of its condition, shoppers, little kids and shop owners said they hope T-Rex is here to stay.

WJAX