Yes, Unicorns Do Exist During FL Coronavirus Pandemic

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, FL — At a time when rainbows and unicorns are overshadowed by the deadly coronavirus pandemic, a Seminole Heights resident is bringing a bit of magic to her neighborhood.

Corey Jurgensen is getting fresh air and exercise during the statewide stay-at-home order by jogging through her neighborhood wearing a 7-foot-tall inflatable unicorn costume.

No, the costume isn't for self-protection. It's intended to be much-needed comic relief for neighbors who could use a good laugh during this anxiety-filled period.

Jurgensen, 40, has become a neighborhood sensation although that wasn't her intention.

"I was bored and had time to exercise," said Jurgensen, a massage therapist at Massage Envy in Wesley Chapel.

A friend dared her to start jogging in the inflatable unicorn she purchased for Halloween last year. Jurgensen accepted the challenge.

"So I started jogging March 21 when the first lockdown went into effect, and have been doing it ever since," she said.

Knowing an audience of children who have been cloistered in their homes for a month are eagerly watching through their windows, Jurgensen now prances, gallops and dances through her neighborhood at least once a week.

"I felt people really need an escape, even if it’s for a few moments," said Jurgensen. "I think it's more fun for me doing it. It's just a bonus that everyone else likes it, too."

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Her neighbors agree, sharing their approval on the Seminole Heights Community Facebook page.

"What fun you’re bringing to the neighborhood," said Shanna Schiro Matthew.

"Keep doing your thing," said Bert Shelor. "What a source of joy you’ve been for the neighborhood."

“To the person dressed as a unicorn walking down Florida Avenue, you made my family’s day during a really stressful time," said Alicia Rosendo. "We all got so excited when we saw you. It was a much-needed laugh.”

With families throughout the neighborhood using their smart phones to video her magical unicorn jogs and then posting them on Facebook, Jurgensen has become a bit of a local celebrity.

That's OK with her.

"The more the videos are shared, the more smiles I'll bring to people," she said.

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