Miami Gardens hotel worker hopes beach creation honors collapse victims

A 6-foot-long sand sculpture of a heart was engraved into the beach as a tribute to the lives lost in the Surfside condo collapse by Isaac Meek.

The 21-year-old Miami Gardens hotel worker spent about two hours creating his sculpture, digging out sand, piling it up, and drawing waves and roses using only a rake and the tip of its handle.

According to Meek, his father had suggested the project as a way to honor those who died in last week’s building collapse that has left 20 dead and 128 missing and comfort their family members.

“I have always been able to inspire others with this single talent,” said Meek, who has been doing sand sculptures for three years. “I want to use my talent for good and to impact others.”

Meek hopes the drivers will notice his work and leave it alone.

“I made it detailed so the tractors will understand,” he said.

Meek hopes that if a victim’s family member comes across his work, they will get some peace from it.

“They are still here,” Meek said, touching his chest over his heart. “Whoever you lost, they are still watching and still with you.”