fbpx

Taking Flight — The Glenn Curtiss & June Bug Monument

Taking Flight: Honoring a Century of Vision

As Miami Springs celebrates 100 years, we honor the extraordinary spirit of our founder, Glenn Curtiss, aviation pioneer, inventor, and visionary city builder.
The Glenn Curtiss & June Bug Legacy Memorial will stand as a permanent tribute to the innovation, courage, and imagination that gave our community wings.
Created by Miami Springs’ own Natalie Plasencia, this Centennial landmark unites art, history, and heart—telling the story of how one man’s dream took flight and shaped a city that continues to soar.
The Memorial will feature two extraordinary pieces:

  • The Glenn Curtiss Monument — a life-sized bronze of Curtiss standing at 6’3” feet tall standing on a 3’2” x 3’2” base,
  • The June Bug Monument — a walk-through installation spanning 42’6” x 12’ x 6’ feet, modeled on Curtiss’s historic aircraft, inviting visitors to step inside a living timeline of his life and achievements.
Together, they form a Centennial tribute worthy of our founder’s legacy and our community’s next century.

Ways to Give: A Legacy That Takes Flight

Help bring this historic tribute to life. Our goal is $260,000, and every gift propels us closer to unveiling day.

Ways to Give: A Legacy That Takes Flight

LEVEL DESCRIPTION
$2,500 — “Wing Rib”
Plate of chosen name on Individual bronze ribs on the June Bug structure
$5,000 — “Structural Rib”
Plate of chosen name on support ribs within the June Bug structure
$25,000 — “Aileron”
Plate of chosen name on major June Bug structural points
$50,000+ — “Main Statue Plaque”
Premier recognition of the chosen name on the main Glenn Curtiss monument base.

All donors at $2,500 and above will receive public recognition, invitation to the ribbon cutting, and acknowledgment on the Centennial website.
Contributions over $100 will be featured by name on the Centennial website.
Contributions under $2,500 fuel the general construction of the monument. 
As a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN #65-0878612), 100% of your contribution will be used to benefit this project through The Curtiss Mansion.

Meet the Artist: Natalie Plasencia

A Cuban American sculptor raised in Hialeah and rooted in Miami Springs, Natalie Plasencia approaches sculpture as both craftsmanship and calling. Her works, seen across South Florida, combine spiritual depth, historical storytelling, and bold form.

With this Centennial commission, Natalie brings her artistry home, creating a work that honors the city’s past and inspires its future.

Join Us

This is our Centennial moment, a chance to celebrate Miami Springs’ first hundred years and build a legacy for the next hundred.

Choose Your Own Impact — Any Amount Helps

Give today. Be remembered tomorrow.

ENjoy a virtual tour of the Monument:

For more information, contact: Carmen Algeciras, 305-283-4790

Glenn Curtiss and June Bug Legacy Memorial Donors (By Tier)

Statue Base

Lowell and Betty Dunn Family Foundation

Olivia’s Home Corp

Tom Cabrerizo/ Legacy Residential Group
Aileron

Milams Market







Saumat Family
Structural Rib














Gonzalez and Palacios Family/MVP International Freight Systems (3)














Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman














Natalie Milian Orbis
Wing Rib







Alejandro Santos







Angela Portillo/ Studio Hue







Buzz & Kathleen Fleishman







Claudia Lamazares







Conquest Air, Inc Carlos Gomez







Costal Insurance Group Inc







Elaine Martin







Eml Guerra







Fabian Perez-Crespo







Humberto and Martha Fleites







GoGo Aviation Inc Carlos Gomez







Miami International Airport Aviation Department







Noelbys Etura-Marcon The Media Cave LLC







Plasencia Family







Richard Louis Wheeler & Bonita Bray Wheeler (2)







Roy Rodriguez & Ana Cristina Rodriguez (2)







Sergio Donikian Contractors Painting & Waterproofing Co Inc