CLEARWATER, FL — City officials confirmed Monday that the world’s largest rubber duck was successfully released into Clearwater waters, immediately triggering a wave of unease among residents who described the attraction as “technically cheerful” and “deeply unsettling.”

Visible from miles away, the massive inflatable duck now looms just offshore, its oversized yellow form dominating the horizon. As the sun moves across the sky, the duck’s enormous bill casts a long, creeping shadow over the beach, stretching across umbrellas, walkways, and, at certain angles, entire sections of Clearwater that residents insist were not emotionally prepared for this.

“It’s the shadow,” said one beachgoer, standing ankle-deep in the sand as the darkness slid past her feet. “A duck shouldn’t be able to do that.”

City leaders described the installation as a fun, family-friendly spectacle meant to draw visitors, while acknowledging that the duck’s scale may have exceeded expectations.

“At a normal size, a rubber duck is comforting,” said a city spokesperson. “At this size, people seem to be questioning things.”

Residents reported that while the duck does not move aggressively or make noise, its stillness only adds to the discomfort.

“It just floats,” said a Clearwater resident. “Watching. Not reacting. Like it’s waiting for something.”

Several beachgoers noted that the duck’s bright yellow color somehow makes it worse.

“If it were darker, you’d expect it to be scary,” said one tourist. “But it’s smiling. That feels intentional.”

As the duck’s bill shadow swept slowly across the shoreline, some residents instinctively looked upward, despite knowing exactly what was causing it. Others packed up their belongings and left without speaking.

Psychologists say the reaction is not unusual.

“It’s a violation of scale and expectation,” said one local therapist. “Your brain knows what a rubber duck is supposed to be. This is not that.”

City officials reiterated that the duck is fully secured, harmless, and temporary, encouraging residents to enjoy the experience and take photos.

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