ORLANDO, Fla. — Preparations are underway Thursday to move a 100-year-old Confederate statue from Lake Eola to the nearby Greenwood Cemetery.
The removal of the statue, known as "Johnny Reb," will begin early next week.
"I was like, whoa, this is really happening. I got, kind of, upset," said statue supporter Jennifer Ervin.
Photos: Protests erupt over Confederate statue at Lake Eola Park
Protests grew last month to stop the statue’s removal after Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer made the decision when some people complained the memorial was a symbol of racism.
"That represents white supremacy to me. That represents when this statue was put up here in 1917. It represented white supremacy, saying we may have lost the Civil War, but we are still in charge," said statue opponent David Porter.
More than 50 city and county streets, roads, lakes and neighborhoods still bare Confederate tributes.
"I don't feel like this statue should be moved what-so-ever," said statue supporter Brian Ervin.
There are six Confederate monuments still standing across Central Florida.
Photos: Confederate soldier statue at Lake Eola Park
The statue first stood on Magnolia Avenue before it was moved to Lake Eola a century ago.
Interactive Map: Confederate monuments in Florida
The Greenwood Cemetery has a special section dedicated to Confederate Veterans'.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Cox Media Group
