Lakeland's Mural Passport: Art & Economy

0:00It's April 22nd. This is Tampa Bay News today, your AI-powered local news. Lakeland, Florida, is leveling up its downtown vibe with the community redevelopment agency's mural passport program. This initiative spotlights public art across Dixieland, downtown, and Midtown to boost culture and spark economic growth by drawing crowds to local spots. The program kicked off in 2019 through the Art and Fusion Grant, where they've commissioned more than 20 murals. They team up with business owners to refresh building faces, pulling in artists from the area and statewide, with nearly 60 on the roster now. Folks are loving it. My guide by the chef pizza in Dixieland, where a standout mural pulls and curious visitors alongside their unique Vokaccia. Deep dish pies. Owner Peter Garcès says the art catches eyes and amps up foot traffic, helping businesses thrive and even lift property values. According to project manager Jonathan Rodriguez, these upgrades drive real traffic that scales operations for shops.

1:01Meanwhile, Garcès eyes expansion to make his pizza the state's top draw, spreading that flavor across Florida. Grab a passport at spots like City Hall or the Chamber of Commerce, hit 15 murals, tag at Lakeland Gov on social media, and score a toe bag, featuring them all. Plans call for a refreshed passport next year, with even more colorful additions, keeping the momentum rolling.