New Florida nature-inspired murals slated for the Pinellas Trail tunnels

Two concrete tunnels along the Pinellas Trail will be transformed into colorful, bright murals inspired by Florida’s natural beauty.

On Tuesday, the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to enter an agreement and support a resolution that will permit the design and installation of murals on four entryway walls at two tunnels along the Pinellas Trail, at U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor and U.S. Highway 19 in Tarpon Springs. The agreement is part of the graffiti abatement program, which was created by Creative Pinellas that’s meant to deter graffiti vandalism.

The artists for these murals were chosen by a process that included Creative Pinellas, the local arts community, Tarpon Springs Art Board and the Council of North County Neighborhoods.

Artwork for Pinellas Trail at U.S. 19 in Palm Harbor

This mural would be at the south-facing entrance to the Palm Harbor tunnel. Taylor Smith’s “Dreamweaver Designs.” City of St. Pete documents.

About:  Taylor Smith’s mural “Dreamweaver Designs” will be at the south-facing entrance at the Palm Harbor tunnel. It features two Great Blue Herons. The background elements feature sword grass, cattails and palm leaves. The mural is meant to highlight the beauty of Florida’s coastal wetlands.

A rendering of Yhali Ilan’s “Yhali” mural. It would be at the north-facing entrance to the Palm Harbor tunnel. City of St. Pete documents.

About: Yhali Ilan’s “Yhali” mural will be located at the north-facing entrance. The mural celebrates the coastal lifestyle.

Artwork for Pinellas Trail at U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs

A rendering of Ricardo Delgado’s “Reda3sb” piece that would be at the east-facing entrance to the Tarpon Springs tunnel. City of St. Pete documents.

About: Ricardo Delgado’s “Reda3sb” piece will be located at the east-facing entrance. It is inspired by Florida’s wildlife and features vibrant flowers and tropical birds.

A rendering of Daniel Barojas’ “R5” mural. It would be located on the west-facing entrance to the Tarpon Springs tunnel. City of St. Pete documents.

About: Daniel Barojas’ “R5” mural will be located at the west-facing entrance. The sun-inspired mural takes its cue from being located on the side of the Pinellas Trail where the sun sets.

There are currently several existing murals on the trail.

The Creative Pinellas group reviewed 24 applications through a rigorous determination process and selected the most favorable pieces based on discussions.