Largo School to Be Home of a Clearwater Dolphin

The "home of the dolphins" is about to be home to at least one more.

Mildred Helms Elementary School in Largo is the recipient of "Flo," one of Clearwater's Dolphins sponsored by Clearwater Gas System.

The hibiscus-themed, six-foot-tall fiberglass dolphin will be on display at the school's front entrance for the next couple years.

The school was very interested in hosting a dolphin sculpture. And after the Clearwater's Dolphins outdoor exhibition ended in September, the idea of Clearwater Gas System's Dolphin Loaner Program evolved, said Lisa Brown, who works with the utility.

The goal of the program is to partner with area schools to heighten the awareness of diversity and inclusion of individuals from all walks of life.

“We have created a very special place for her to reside at the main entrance of our school where she will watch over everyone who comes to Mildred Helms Elementary," Sandra Cowley, principal at the school, said in a media release.

Mildred Helms Elementary is the program’s first participant. The school was also a location for the filming of a portion of the movie, "Dolphin Tale." The film is based on the life of Winter the dolphin, who was found injured in a crab trap. She survived and is able to swim through the use of a prosthetic tail.

Flo starts her first day of school Tuesday, Dec. 11 and is expected already to be a hit.

"We already discussed possibly extending Flo's stay at the school," Brown said.

Related coverage:

• 'Home of the Dolphins' is School in Dolphin Tale
• Follow the Trail of Clearwater's Dolphins
• Gallery: Clearwater's Dolphins on Display

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