ORLANDO, Fla. – Florida, in addition to producing memorable headlines, also has its fair share of sightseeing. Many of those sights, in true Florida fashion, are strange structures that can be found on the side of the road.
These roadside sightings might strike many Floridians as quintessentially bizarre, while some may fit in with the area's scenery. Six of the roadside attractions located in Central Florida have become part of living in the area to many locals.
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Take a look at the below list of Central Florida's odd roadside attractions and maybe go visit a few for yourself.
Apopka nativity scene
This 15-foot-tall nativity scene is the tallest in the world -- according to its owner. It can be found at the intersection of State Road 441 and State Road 414 in Apopka. The setup has been a mainstay of the area for two years now, and has weathered quite a few storms in its time -- literally. One of the angels was blown over during a storm and had to get her arm repaired, but she's shining bright now.
While the display is on the property of a construction company, the owner said he just likes having it there.
The 'Super Kock'
The "Super Kock" is proudly displayed in all of its bubblegum-pink glory in front of Kennedy Kars at the intersection of Alabama Avenue and Nova Road in Holly Hill. Owner Squeak Kennedy said the giant rooster attracts picture-takers at least three to four times a week, even after being there for 10 years. He said it's especially popular with spring breakers, bikers and teenagers taking prom photos.
So what prompted Kennedy to create the sight? He just likes pink. Kennedy said he painted the nearly-800 pound aluminum rooster shortly after he bought it. The landmark once stood in front of his business and now proudly struts on the back of a Nissan truck, appropriately painted the same shade.
The MTV Astronaut Man
A tall Styrofoam astronaut can be seen while traveling on the westbound Interstate 4 ramp to Highway 17 in Sanford. That astronaut's journey, which included a stint at the 2004 MTV Music Video Awards in Miami, brought him to Acme Industrial Supplies to stay.
The business' owner said he bought the statue after rent had stopped being paid on its storage. He said people stop by at least once a week to take photos. He's even had visitors from countries as far away as Japan. While the statue is missing its flag, it still stands tall on the MTV logo as a base.
The giant orange
The giant orange, which a sight true to its name, can be found about a mile north of Eau Gallie Boulevard while traveling on U.S. 1.
A throwback to when it was built as an orange juice stand in the 1960s, the 15-foot diameter orange was restored by the Melbourne Rotary Club.
Big Swampy
You can find the self-proclaimed "world's largest gator" in Christmas, Florida. The 200-foot gator serves as the entrance to Jungle Adventures, which is a Florida-themed animal park and zoo.
Gatorland gator head
Guests that visit Gatorland, which is billed as the "alligator capital of the world," are greeted by a huge alligator head with bright red eyes and huge teeth.
The head, which has been a fixture along South Orange Blossom Trail, provides a great photo opportunity for guests. The head used to be the entrance of the park until a 2006 fire necessitated a new one.