More than 80 years after his death, a Lady Lake park is now named in honor of a Pearl Harbor veteran.
Several local officials, including Lady Lake Mayor Jim Rietz and Mike Burske, Town of Lady Lake Parks and Recreation Director, were on hand along with veterans and community members to dedicate Snooky Park in honor Atticus “Snooky” Blanton on June 29.
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“Snooky Park is a long-awaited passive recreation facility in the Town of Lady Lake,” said Burske. “We are fortunate to have the support of the Commission to help us preserve this beautiful and historic area of Lady Lake.”
Atticus “Snooky” Blanton was born on Dec. 20, 1920 in Fort Myers and grew up in Lady Lake. At 18 years old, without job experience, he decided to join the Navy. He enlisted in 1940, and wrote home to family excited about getting to serve aboard the USS Arizona. “Snooky,” then a Shipfitter 3rd Class, told his family that his ship was sailing to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Tragically, on Dec. 7, 1941, Japan ordered an attack on the Navy base and ships at Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona was struck by multiple bombs that morning, bearing the brunt of the attack. More than 1,100 sailors and Marines were lost along with the ship. The wreck remains at Pearl Harbor as part of the USS Arizona Memorial. Blanton’s family was notified ten days later he was missing in action, and a month after that, a second telegram from the War Department said he was “presumed dead”.
Officials from the Town of Lady Lake said they are honored to dedicate Snooky Park in honor of the lost hometown hero.
Snooky Park is located at 120 W, Lady Lake Blvd., Lady Lake. The new park is a natural preserve with a 2,000-foot walking trail, surrounded by a canopy of cedar, live oaks, water oaks and palm trees. It features amenities such as picnic shelters, water fountains and restrooms.