Tassell Family Donates Sculpture to Mariners Hospital

TAVERNIER – The family of Leslie E. Tassell recently donated a large bronze sculpture, Fish Story, to Mariners Hospital. Formerly located at the Caloosa Cove Resort in Islamorada, the sculpture is now prominently displayed at the entrance to the Tassell Medical Arts Building on the hospital campus.

Mr. Tassell, a previous owner of the resort, was a champion of quality healthcare and a major donor to the hospital. “We owe a special thank you to the Tassell family for their ongoing support of Mariners Hospital,” said CEO Rick Freeburg. “This piece of art is a beautiful addition to our campus and a symbol of the generosity of our community members.”

The sculpture was finished in 1994 and took almost three years to complete. In his piece, artist Paul Baliker captured a grandfather sharing fish tales with his son – under a large, arching fish.

“It’s a wonderful tribute to Mr. Tassell as it greets patients and visitors to his namesake building,” said Freeburg. “We couldn’t think of a better spot for such a grand statue.”

Mariners Hospital is part of Baptist Health South Florida, the largest healthcare organization in the region, with seven hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), nearly 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. The not-for-profit, faith-based Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,300 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.