Pines City Hall panther statue rakes in name finalists. Which will you vote for?
Pembroke Pines’ newest landmark is one step closer to receiving its moniker. Officials want you to have the deciding vote.
City Hall announced the five finalist names for the charitable, life-sized panther statue prowling between its commission chambers and City Center via a Jan. 21 Instagram post.
Residents were asked to anonymously send in name ideas for the big cat — erected in collaboration with the American Cancer Society’s Panthers on the Prowl campaign — through Jan. 12.
After selecting their top choices, officials now leave the statue’s christening to a community vote. Your window to choose closes Friday, Jan. 23, with the winning name to be announced at the Feb. 4 commission meeting.
Here are the contenders for the City Hall panther’s name:
- Ember
- Hope
- Pheonix
- Remi
- Valor
If you’re sensing a theme, that’s because there is one.
The feline landmark — designed by Miami-based artist and cancer survivor Disem — dons the dusk-like colors of a South Florida sunrise and sunset to “represent the beauty that can emerge after darkness — a symbol of perseverance and faith,” officials said in a Jan. 6 statement.
Painted periwinkles, echinaceas, wild indigo and turmeric flowers — all native to Florida — are depicted on its sides for their known healing properties.
“Disem describes the opportunity to paint the statue for the City of Pembroke Pines and support the American Cancer Society through the Florida Panthers’ initiative as ‘a profound honor,’” City Hall’s statement reads. “Inspired by his own journey, the artwork reflects resilience, hope, and renewal.”
“These stunning panther statues symbolize strength, resilience, and the united effort to defeat cancer,” the city’s website page for the campaign says.
News of the Pembroke Pines Panthers on the Prowl collaboration — which supports cancer research, patient services and advocacy programs — was announced in November, but the initiative’s start dates to March 2025.
The campaign has seen big cats pop up at South Florida hospitals, universities and businesses and is inspired by Chicago’s “Cows on Parade,” an international public art exhibit known to take over metorpolises and donate proceeds fundraised via auctions to local charities.
It earns its namesake from co-chairs Julie Zito and Bill Zito, the Florida Panthers’ president of hockey operations and general manager.
“Each one of these has a story,” Zito told the Miami Herald during a Jan. 2 Prowl fundraiser at loanDepot Park. “When you look at them, some are fun, some are silly. Some of them are creative beyond anything I could have ever imagined. … It is so important that we take advantage of this opportunity to not only raise as much money as we can, but raise awareness as well. Because together, we truly can fight this insidious disease. I am truly proud of the work that the people have done.”
To participate, small businesses, organizations and individuals can choose to sponsor a blank panther statue for $5,000, personalize it with local art, and display the cat in their location of choice.
Past collaborations include a multicolored sculpture painted and auctioned off by Brazilian artist Romero Britto and a butterfly-themed statue by pop star Kelsea Ballerini.
To lock in your top name for Pembroke Pines’ big cat, officials ask that participants comment their choice under this Instagram post to be sent a link where they can cast their final vote.
May the best name win.
