Our murals are only a small part of this process. Others give more credit to the paintings. The overall town beautification has soared as a result of these murals, inspiring more people to fix up their own businesses. Due to the town's collaborative efforts, Lake Placid was named Florida's Outstanding Rural Community in both 1995 and 1996. Inspired, several Florida cities have recently implemented their own mural programs, including Lake Wales, Punta Gorda, Milton, and Palatka.
Art is a powerful thing.
Thomas J. Murphy, a writer based in Tampa, Fla., has written for more than 80 publications. If you like what you see of our magazine, but don't get it supplied with your local newspaper, simply call, write, or e-mail your publisher and suggest they carry us every week. It will make a difference.