Exotic species such as Burma reed (Neyraudia reynaudiana), seaside-mahoe (Thespesia populnea) and beach naupaka (Scaevola taccada)[1] have covered much of the island.

In 1994 the Biscayne Bay Environmental Enhancement Trust Fund and the Florida Inland Navigation District used a $220,000 bond[1] to build a clearing in the center of the island near the monument, where visitors play volleyball and light bonfires.

The project also stabilized the shoreline with the installation of lime rock boulders, and created sand beaches and dunes for boaters to enjoy.

Miami-Dade County maintains the island, including modest picnic facilities and trash cans, and is considering issuing a $250,000 bond to correct the monument's serious disrepair due to its exposure to harsh marine elements, vandalism and years of deferred maintenance.

[2] Miami Beach co-founder Carl G. Fisher commissioned the construction of the obelisk monument and the four allegorical statues at the base in 1920 at a cost of $125,000.

In 1998 a careless picnicker set the island on fire, destroying $250,000 worth of trees and landscaping from a 1994 restoration project.

Peterson and financed by Fisher with the help of John B. Orr and James A. Allison,[3] the statues sit oriented in the four cardinal directions, each representing a signature aspect of Miami Beach.

[6] Representing industry, a man in a Roman toga stands facing due north, holding a scroll and a small building.