Posted on May 20, 2019
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Back in December, the couple behind the mysterious sand bar covered with dozens of flags came forward. It had been around since last Spring, but recent heavy rainfall caused the Arkansas River to swallow up the sand bar.
“I’m feeling different things. We almost lasted a year with it,” Johnny Balducci said. He’d come across the sand bar and, along with Jennifer Telford, began putting up flags commemorating military members and first responders.
The sand bar had formed as a result of dredging done by the Corps of Engineers. It could be seen from the I-430 bridge between Maumelle and Little Rock. The sand bar quickly sparked interest among central Arkansans, gaining the name “Flag Island”, and attracting other locals to it, too.
“We’ve had a couple of guys come out and put crosses,” Balducci remembered.
But now, with nothing but memories to look back on, Balducci says Flag Island had a good run.
“We had Tommy and Stacey Covington come out here for their kids’ foundation and raise over $30,000, which is really phenomenal, so I’m proud in that fact to know that it worked.”
While he’s sad the island is gone, Balducci looks to the future.
“All good things must come to an end,” he said. “Let’s make a permanent structure out there to celebrate the first responders or the military, anybody, that would be fun.”
Balducci says he hopes the sand bar will re-emerge someday so he can start the tradition all over again.
The Corps of Engineers says it’s dangerous right now for anyone to be on the river. In fact, a small craft advisory is in effect.
Source: katv.com
