Hey everybody, it’s Peyton! Believe it or not, I am already gearing up for Pirates on Sulton 2026! As I was brainstorming for this year's display, I realized how much I wanted to connect deeper with our beloved community. One idea sparked a wonderful memory and a tangible way to unite and celebrate our history: bringing back part of the Santa Maria!

For those who may not know, the Santa Maria was a cherished landmark in Central Ohio. Its presence on the waters was a beautiful reminder of our rich heritage, and it held a special place in the hearts of many. Over a decade ago, the ship was pulled from the waters, and since then, it has been largely forgotten. But to me, it remains a symbol of community spirit and historical significance.

The unfortunate reality I discovered was heartbreaking. The remains of the Santa Maria were chopped up and left to rot away south on Route 23. With determination, I embarked on a journey to trace whatever was left. After much effort, I found pieces of the ship and captured their essence in photographs. This sparked my mission to converse with city officials to try and bring this piece of our history back to life.

During my discussions, I learned of plans that threaten what little is left of the Santa Maria: the water plant expansion and the relocation of the tree nursery would result in the remnants being buried forever. Despite my perseverance and passion, this morning, I faced rejection from city officials who denied the possibility of preservation.

The Santa Maria represents more than just a historical artifact; it's a part of our local culture and nostalgia. Losing it would mean erasing a piece of our past. That's why I'm reaching out to all of you for support. Together, we can urge city officials to reconsider their decision. 

Please join me in taking action to prevent the burial of the Santa Maria. Let's show the city how much our community values its history and how deeply we care about maintaining our cultural landmarks for future generations.

Sign this petition and help save the Santa Maria from being lost forever!