The South Seminole Heights Civic Association and the City of Tampa brought to fruition an idea that started over two years ago, the city’s first painted street mural at the intersection of North River Boulevard and West Louisiana Avenue in South Seminole Heights. In addition to adding public art, the street mural also instills community pride and uniqueness, while acting as a traffic calming measure increasing pedestrian safety and walkability in the neighborhood.

“When I visit neighborhoods, one of the most talked about concerns is speeding,” said Councilman Mike Suarez. Looking for an outside-the-box solution Councilman Suarez requested the City’s Transportation Department look at cities like Seattle, Portland, and St. Paul, to name a few, that had successfully implemented Paint the Pavement or Paint the Street programs. “I saw this as a creative way to use art to encourage community building and as a means to transform a public roadway into a neighborhood asset”

“This has been a truly unique opportunity that intersects the culture of our neighborhood that celebrates the arts with our goal to increase walkability and pedestrian safety,” said SSHCA President Stephen Lytle. “We have had the pleasure of working closely with representatives from the City of Tampa to bring this project to fruition. It is not often that you can say you are accomplishing a first for a city that is so innovative with a such rich history.”

The mandala design for the street mural was chosen by residents from a pool of artists who had submitted designs for consideration. Catherine Thomas, the local artist who made the winning design says “the mural was designed to represent the beauty and vibrancy of the Seminole Heights community… Since this is a community project, I felt as though a mandala would be a great symbol of bringing the community together to create something beautiful that everyone will be able to enjoy, while also learning something along the way.”

The South Seminole Heights Civic Association Board would like to thank all of our neighbors who helped volunteer to paint this project. We would also like to thank Past President Donna Stark for getting this idea off the ground, William Porth with the City of Tampa Transportation who was key in navigating requirements with the city, Hillsborough County for the neighborhood mini-grant to help fund this project, Shumake, Loop, & Kendrick, LLP for their private donation, Councilman Mike Suarez for his support and helping paint as well, and the many others who were involved in making this fantastic project a reality.

To purchase prints of the South Seminole Heights Street Mural please visit the artist’s Etsy Shop.