FSCJ's new mascot is the manta ray.
Published on May 10, 2024 at 11:54 am
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There’s a new mascot at Florida State College at Jacksonville. They’re officially the Manta Rays.
The mascot was chosen in a public vote among three finalists. The others were the kraken and the sea dragon.
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FSCJ announced the winner at the school’s commencement Thursday. Graduates were given Manta Ray rally towels.
“We often say FSCJ is ‘the community’s college’ so we wanted to be sure we selected a mascot that everyone would connect with and help us build on that energy,” FSCJ President John Avendano said. “The Manta Ray was a perfect choice for us, and we cannot wait to see the symbol on shirts, hats, uniforms, signage and more.”
The Giant Manta Ray is the world’s largest ray with a wingspan of up to 26 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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The ray is found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate bodies of water and is commonly found offshore, in oceanic waters, and in productive coastal areas. The global population is unknown.
FSCJ is beginning to incorporate the Manta Ray across campus and in the athletics program. Merchandise is being ordered and will be available in bookstores and online.
Uniforms for the college’s athletics teams and a mascot costume are in development and will be in use for the 2024-25 season.
Randy comes to Jacksonville from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, where as metro editor, he led investigative coverage of the Parkland school shooting that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for public service. He has spent more than 40 years in reporting and editing positions in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Florida.
