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Hard Rock unveiling statue of pioneer Seminole woman

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By LINDSAY PETERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 23, 2009

TAMPA - She was born in the Florida Everglades in 1896 to the children of two "unconquered" Seminoles. At 85, she led 17 family members from Bradenton to a new Seminole reservation in Tampa.

Ruby Tiger Osceola lived to be 106 before she died in 2002.

Today at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, her growing family and members of the Seminole Tribal Council are honoring Osceola's memory with the unveiling of a life-size statue.

She "was a pioneer and a visionary leader who strove to preserve tribal culture and protect her people," said John Fantana, the Hard Rock president.

Bradley Cooley and Bradley Cooley Jr. sculpted the statue from bronze, depicting Osceola in traditional garb with one hand pointing forward and another resting on a panther.

The Cooleys are best known for their statue of Chief Osceola and Renegade at the Florida State University. They have spent the past 25 years creating sculptures of the Seminole and Miccosukee people.

The statues can be found across the state in public parks, college campuses and museums.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7834.

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