Beloved ‘Sandcastle Man’ Bill Pavlacka parts ways with Hotel del Coronado

For nearly two decades, families have taken photos next to his towering sandcastles, couples have gotten engaged in front of them, and holiday visitors have returned year after year to see what he will build next.

Now, the man known as the “Sandcastle Man” is no longer building along the South Side ca Beach where he became one of Coronado’s players.

Hotel del Coronado confirmed to Fox News Digital that he and sand artist Bill Pavlaka have “parted ways” effective February 5, ending his nearly 20-year career crafting elaborate sculptures on Coronado Beach outside of town. Historic resort.

“We can confirm that Hotel del Coronado and The Sandcastle Man have parted ways as of February 5,” a spokesperson for the hotel said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. “We hope for the continued success of The Sandcastle Man.”

Girl caught on video pulling one square as 63,000-beer-capacity tower collapses for Guinness World Records title

Bill Pavlaka, known as the “Sandcastle Man,” stands next to one of his sand sculptures on Coronado Beach in California. The longtime beach fixture recently broke away from the Hotel del Coronado after nearly two decades of construction on the resort’s beachfront. (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

The hotel did not provide any additional details about the decision.

Pavlaka’s sand creations, from whimsical holiday displays to custom wedding displays, anniversary greetings and birthday messages, have long drawn crowds along the famous coastline adjacent to San Diego.

The circumstances surrounding his departure are detailed in a letter and quotes from the interview I mentioned by the San Diego Union-Tribune, as well as in statements Pavlaka shared on social media.

Paavlaka was formally notified in a letter from the hotel’s human resources director that he was no longer permitted to work on hotel property, the Union-Tribune reported. According to the newspaper, the letter stated that in recent months a new incident had come to light “related to alcohol consumption, which led to a negative experience for guests.”

TIKTOK-FAMUS HOOTERS GIRLS BUILT A VIRAL FOLLOWING, BUT THE OWNER HAS THE FINAL WORD ON THEIR FUTURE

A sand castle sculpture created by Bill Pavlaka located on Coronado Beach in Southern California with the Hotel del Coronado in the background. Pavlaka has been building proposal displays, holiday scenes and custom creations along the beachfront for nearly 20 years. (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

Pavlaka denied the allegation in an interview with the Union-Tribune.

“There was no alcohol. I don’t drink there,” he said. “I asked the hotel man who complained: Have you seen me drinking?” He said: “We will not go there.” If they want to get me out of there, that’s fine. “I will not fight them or argue with them.”

The Union-Tribune also reported that the letter states that Pavlaka “is no longer permitted to conduct ‘The Sandcastle Man’ or any other business on the Hotel del Coronado premises… expressly including the Hotel Beach.”

The newspaper also reported that the hotel owns portions of the beachfront and, citing the California Coastal Commission, has the right to control that property as long as public access is not blocked.

Pavlaka told the Union-Tribune that he believes the decision may have been influenced by the messages he sometimes etched onto his sculptures. The newspaper reported that the hotel’s letter said that as a condition of working on the hotel’s beach property, the content of the sandcastle at Pavlaka must be “neutral” and “free of anything.” Political or controversial messages“.

Pavlaka said he included phrases such as “I believe in freedom of speech” and “I love democracy,” along with a quote attributed to Mark Twain: “Get the facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”

He said the messages were interpreted as political.

A popular airline’s retro menu prompts comparisons to flying in the ‘Golden Age’ as passengers react

The historic Hotel del Coronado is seen in Coronado, California. The beachfront resort confirmed it had “parted ways” with sand sculpting artist Bill Pavlaka, known locally as the “Sandcastle Man”. (Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

“The hotel always says I don’t work for them, but they kicked me out of the hotel,” he told the Union-Tribune. “But I have tremendous support in San Diego and almost all of the feedback I’ve gotten has been positive. So I can’t understand why things suddenly changed.”

Local supporters echoed that sentiment.

“Bill is hardworking and quiet and we have never seen him drink,” Kimberly Wade said. Coronado Times. “It’s a huge loss for the people of San Diego, and everyone loves ‘The Sandcastle Man.’ Bring it back and enjoy the joy it brings to people from all over the world.”

“There is nothing controversial, let alone offensive, about a quote from one of America’s greatest authors about the importance of truth and objective reality in the civic life of our nation,” Ken Fitzgerald told the outlet.

Pavlaka addressed the division in A Share Facebook.

“After nearly two decades, Hotel del Coronado and I parted ways. Building sandcastles in front of the hotel, and meeting guests from all over the world, meant the world to me,” he wrote.

“While I’m sad that this chapter is over, I’m excited for more creative freedom in the future,” he added, directing supporters to find it “north of the main lifeguard tower on Coronado Beach.”

San Diego skyline from Centennial Park in Coronado, California. (Christopher A. Jones via Getty Images)

In his interview with the Union-Tribune, Pavlaka said he plans to continue building sandcastles elsewhere.

“I will not give up,” he said. “I will continue to build sandcastles. They may not be here, but they will be somewhere.”

Click here to download the FOX NEWS app

Pavlacka also posts the price list on “The Sandcastle Man” website.

The page states: “Sandcastles and classes offered at Hotel Del Coronado must be pre-approved by the hotel.” She adds that prices are subject to change based on the complexity of the design and may include extras such as music, lights, rose petals and travel fees.

Pavlaka is currently seeking donations through his latest Facebook post.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Pavlacka for additional comment.