A Canvas for Community: The Murals of Lakeland

BLOOM

Address: 1479 Town Center Dr. Lakeland, FL 33803 — on the back side of Books-A-Million

Artist: Gillian Fazio

Here’s a vibrant glimpse at just a few of the expressive murals that bring color, culture, and storytelling to Lakeland, Florida’s streets. Let’s dive into what makes the city such a compelling canvas:

A Canvas for Community: The Murals of Lakeland

A Cultural Mosaic

Lakeland’s mural scene is a dynamic blend of personal expression, local pride, and cultural storytelling. The community’s commitment to this public art shines through both grassroots initiatives and city-supported programs like the Art Infusion Grant, launched in 2021 to revitalize building facades and support artists and local businesses .

Walk the Trail, Capture the Story

The city’s Downtown Public Art Trail offers a mapped walking tour of murals, letting visitors and locals alike explore artworks from Lake Mirror to Lake Beulah. The interactive story-map is accessible on mobile devices for seamless exploration .

Must-See Murals & Their Stories

Gillian Fazio’s Flourishing Footprint

With a signature flair for floral motifs and butterflies, Gillian Fazio’s murals dot the city with joyful bursts of color:

  • Oranges at The Yard on Mass, 802 N. Massachusetts Ave: Bright oranges, blue flowers, and playful butterflies—voted the fan-favorite in a mural bracket challenge  .
  • Monarch Butterflies, 130 S. Massachusetts Ave: A fluttering homage to local wildlife near Lake Mirror Tower Apartments  .
  • Greetings from Lakeland, 505 Martin L. King Jr. Ave: A postcard-style mural featuring local landmarks like the Polk Theatre, Southgate, Lake Mirror, and swans  .
  • Bloom, 1479 Town Center Dr: Giant floral blooms hiding logos amid butterfly wings behind Books-A-Million at Lakeside Village  .
  • Create at Catapult (502 E. Main St) and Cultivate (opposite side by Megan Carroll): Inspiring creativity with vibrant vegetation and Fazio’s trademark butterflies  .
  • Tobacco Leaf, 112 S. Tennessee Ave: Inspired by 18th-century China’s Mottahedeh tobacco-patterned china, this mural enhances street strolls on Tennessee Ave  .

Myth, History & Identity

  • The Legend of Ondine, 927 S. Florida Ave: A dreamy water nymph floats in ribbons of color, dedicated to artist Cecilia Lueza’s father  .
  • L’Hermione, 3825 S. Florida Ave: Painted by Tim Haas as a tribute to Franco-American ties—highlighting the ship Hermione’s aid in the Revolutionary War  .
  • AstroKnights, 844 S. Florida Ave: Space-themed whimsy by C. Stanley on the side of South Florida Gun and Pawn  .
  • Exploring Innovation, 235 N. Kentucky Ave: A 70-foot mural outside Mitchell’s Coffee House, with the artist’s name cleverly hidden in the tech-inspired design  .
  • Dixieland THEN, 948 S. Florida Ave: Nostalgic scenes of vintage cars and ice cream evoke 1950s Lakeland  .

Selfies & Urban Charm

  • Angel Selfie Wall, Born & Bread Bakehouse, 1113 S. Florida Ave: Angel wings perfect for selfies, originally painted in 2016 and refreshed in 2019  .
  • Watchful Woman, 235 N. Florida Ave (in the alley by Thom Downs Antiques): A compelling piece by Gabriela Jaxon—admiration may take a second glance  .
  • Lakeland Swan Mural, 1035 S. Florida Ave: A swan-themed tribute outside Concord Coffee in Dixieland Village  .

Emerging & Inclusive Expressions

  • Midtown Mini Murals, 114 E. Parker St: A collaborative wall outside Talbot House Ministries showcasing small panels celebrating diversity—by various artists  .
  • Echoes of Resilience, East wall of the RP Funding Center, 701 W. Lime St: Samara Ash’s nature-rich mural highlights Florida’s wildlife—part of a CRA unveiling event in April 2025  .

Local Flavor & One-Offs

  • Lakeland on the Move, GreenWise Market, 4747 S. Florida Ave: A collaborative mural by Bump Galletta and Fred Koehler capturing local architecture and daily life  .
  • Tapestries Project, Downtown: Temporary canvas murals—65 varied themes from chimpanzees to family portraits—displayed throughout downtown for a year  .

More Than Just Art: A Movement for Creative Renewal

Lakeland mural programs, especially those under the Civic Redevelopment Agency, not only beautify the city—they breathe life into urban spaces, support artistic talent, and invite residents to engage with their environment. Through grants and collaborative projects, these murals foster community pride, economic vitality, and public connection to art and nature  .

Have You Seen These Around Town?

Residents on local forums often celebrate these murals as must-visit spots:

“Every woman’s dating profile in Lakeland includes the selfie in front of this bad boy off S Florida” referring to one of the wings  .

“Watchful Woman… considered by many to be one of the most interesting murals. You have to look twice.” 

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local exploring your neighborhood, an art lover on a scavenger hunt, or a visitor seeking hidden gems, Lakeland’s mural scene offers a rich, immersive experience. From mythical water nymphs and retro vignettes to butterflies and community portraits, each mural adds its own chapter to the vibrant story of Swan City—one wall at a time.

Would you like a printable walking map or more details on any specific piece?

xploring the Van Fleet Trail: Florida’s Hidden Cycling Gem

History, Maps, Wildlife, Trailhead Directions, and Shuttle Services

The General James A. Van Fleet State Trail is one of Florida’s most scenic, peaceful, and straight multi-use trails, perfect for cyclists, walkers, and nature lovers. Stretching approximately 29.2 miles from Polk City to Mabel, this rail-trail offers a remote experience through Central Florida’s wetlands, cattle pastures, and pine forests.

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🚴‍♂️ Trail Overview

• Length: 29.2 miles (Polk City to Mabel)

• Surface: Paved, 12-foot-wide asphalt

• Terrain: Flat, straight, minimal elevation changes

• Activities: Biking, walking, inline skating, horseback riding (parallel equestrian trail)

The trail closely follows the old Seaboard Air Line Railroad corridor and is now part of Florida’s Statewide Greenways & Trails System and a National Recreation Trail.

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🗺️ Trail Map and Access Points

The Van Fleet Trail has four primary trailheads, approximately 9–10 miles apart:

Trailhead

Location

Parking

Restrooms

Picnic Area

Polk City

7683 Berkley Rd, Polk City, FL

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Green Pond

Green Pond Rd, Polk City area

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Bay Lake

Bay Lake Rd (CR 565), Mascotte

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Mabel

CR 772 just south of SR 50

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🚗 Directions to Trailheads:

• Polk City: From I-4, exit 38 onto SR 33 north for ~5.8 miles. Trailhead is just beyond CR 665.

• Green Pond: From SR 33, turn west onto Green Pond Rd and continue ~1 mile to parking.

• Bay Lake: From SR 33, turn east onto Bay Lake Rd (CR 565) to reach the trailhead.

• Mabel: Access from CR 772, just south of SR 50, near the Mabel post office.

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🎖️ The Legacy of General James A. Van Fleet

The trail honors General James A. Van Fleet, a highly decorated U.S. Army officer who served in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

• Born: March 19, 1892, in New Jersey, but raised in Bartow, Florida

• Military Highlights:

• Commanded troops at Utah Beach on D-Day during WWII

• Led the U.S. Eighth Army in the Korean War

• Received the Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart

• Van Fleet was praised by President Truman as “America’s greatest general” and lived to 100 years old, passing away in 1992 at his ranch near Polk City.

The trail is a fitting tribute to his leadership and his strong connection to the local area.

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🌿 Wildlife and Weather Tips

🐢 Wildlife to Expect

• Alligators: Frequently seen along water bodies and occasionally sunning on the trail

• Turtles and Snakes: Common on the trail, especially in warm weather

• Birds: Herons, egrets, hawks, and wild turkeys

• Mammals: Deer, raccoons, armadillos, and sometimes bobcats

🛑 Wildlife Safety:

Always maintain a respectful distance, particularly from alligators. Do not feed or approach animals. Be aware of turtles or snakes on the trail.

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🌤️ Weather Considerations

• Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring (October–April)

• Summer Risks: High heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms (May–September)

• Trail Exposure: Limited shade—sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are essential

• Mosquitoes: Bring insect repellent, especially near the Green Swamp

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🔶 Additional Safety Notes:

• Hunting is allowed in adjacent wildlife areas. Wear orange during hunting season (typically fall and winter months).

• Cell service is limited in remote areas—download maps beforehand and let someone know your route.

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🚐 Shuttle Options and Return Planning

1. Bike Shuttle Service: Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers

• Phone: (206) 250-3395

• Email: pamperedpedalers@gmail.com

• Bubba’s offers morning shuttles to the Mabel trailhead, allowing cyclists to ride one way back to Polk City. Advanced reservations are recommended.

2. DIY Self-Shuttle

• The most common option: use two vehicles. Park one at your finish point (Polk City or Mabel) and drive the other to your starting point.

3. Rental Car Option

• Some cyclists arrange a one-way ride using rental cars, particularly if combining with the nearby Auburndale TECO Trail.

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📌 Final Recommendations

• Start early: Beat the heat and wildlife activity.

• Plan your route: Decide whether to ride round-trip or arrange a shuttle/vehicle drop.

• Stay hydrated: Bring more water than you think you’ll need.

• Be self-sufficient: Carry basic bike tools, a first aid kit, and emergency contacts.

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Useful Resources

• Florida State Parks – Van Fleet Trail

• Florida Rambler – Van Fleet Trail Guide

• TrailLink – Van Fleet Trail Details

• Bubba’s Pampered Pedalers

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