Mural The Lost Bear Cub by artist Terry Smith. Photo: Marie Hunter
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Lake Placid Mural Society
Robert and Harriet Porter started the Lake Placid
Mural Society to beautify the town, preserve its heritage, and
educate its citizens. The society also believes that the murals
help local businesses by attracting tourists who spend money in the
community. Between 1993 and 2000, the society painted 31 murals and
more are planned. Not tax dollars are used in the city enhancement
and art project. Murals are placed on buildings throughout town
depicting the history of Lake Placid, and of the area's flora and
fauna. Among the murals are a Florida black bear on the site of
Tony's Barber Shop, three clowns on the front of Ride Abstract and
Tile shop, and a bald eagle soaring across the NationsBank
building. Several of the murals are enhanced with audio, such as a
mural of cowboys driving a herd of cattle on the side of a
Winn-Dixie grocery store, which features the sounds of yips, moos
and thunder. The murals give townspeople a sense of community
pride.
The murals are also why tourism has tripled since
1993. Once known as the "Caladium Capital" because of the area's
abundance of caladium plants, Lake Placid is now called the
"Outdoor Mural Capital of Florida."
Documentation includes a project report, photos and
descriptions of each of the 31 murals, newspaper articles, a mural
booklet and CD.
Originally submitted by: Mark Foley, Representative (16th District).
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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.
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