Mural Program Aimed At Reducing Graffiti On Public Property

PINELLAS COUNTY, FL — Pinellas County has partnered with arts agency Creative Pinellas in a pilot program aimed at reducing vandalism through the use of art. The initial result is a colorful mural at the Boot Ranch underpass in Palm Harbor, where the Pinellas Trail extension will pass.

Locally based artist Stephen Palladino’s "Be Right Back" will be officially unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Creative Pinellas will host the event, which will include a performance by the East Lake High School vocal ensemble and a question-and-answer session with Palladino. Community leaders and residents are invited to attend.

The one-year program was established on the premise that public art has been shown to deter graffiti while beautifying rights of way. The Board of County Commissioners granted Creative Pinellas funding through the Transportation Trust Fund to lead and promote the effort in partnership with Pinellas County Transportation. Additional opportunities are under review.

“The primary focus of the mural program is aimed to reduce vandalism on public infrastructure,” said Ken Jacobs, transportation division director. “Creative Pinellas has been a great partner in implementing this initial project that incorporates a transportation theme.”

Palladino was selected for the program following an open call for artists led by Creative Pinellas, the county’s designated art agency. Nearly two dozen applications were reviewed by a panel of county staff, local art professionals and community representatives.

Based in Seminole, Palladino moved to Pinellas County from New York at an early age and attended the arts magnet program at Johns Hopkins Middle School in St. Petersburg. His portfolio includes work for Lady Gaga, the NBA, Reebok, and Hilton, among other notable brands.