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"The Lost Bear Cub," a mural by Terry Smith
Mural The Lost Bear Cub  by artist Terry Smith. Photo: Marie Hunter

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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