Clearwater's East Gateway Murals Expected to Improve Blighted Area Through Art and Community Efforts

A field of gladiolas now blooms in Clearwater’s East Gateway neighborhood. Painted on the side of the T-Shirt Warehouse on Gulf-to-Bay Blvd., the brightly colored mural features the sun shining through a gate with white gladiolas on either side. The location and subject of the mural document a bit of Clearwater history: T-Shirt Warehouse now sits where Constantine Farms, a gladiola grower, used to be. 

The mural, which was designed by Cuban artist and local resident Jorge Vidal, was painted during a “weekend slam” by members of the East Gateway community. Councilman George Cretekos could be found rolling up his sleeves and dipping into the paint alongside district residents.

The mural was created as part of the Talento 2010 program, a Clearwater program created to bring the East Gateway neighborhood together through community arts projects. The Talento 2010 program draws its inspiration from other cities, such as Philadelphia, which have successfully transformed distressed areas into destinations through murals and other public art.

Two more murals will be painted by this Spring. On April 25th-25th a mural will be painted on the side of El Ranchito de Pepe on Cleveland Street and May 1st-2nd on Senior Bubbles, also on Cleveland Street. The last mural will coincide with Cinco de Mayo.

These will be smaller, historical murals that wrap around the building, intended to get people to stop and take a closer look at the mural. Passersby will be able to see the murals from further away, but there is also an invitation to come up closer. The aim is to invite more foot traffic and create more business.

“When people come here, and they’re finished with the beach, and eaten all the seafood, they can have a multicultural experience they can enjoy,” said Pinellas Opportunity Council Manager Maria Emilia.

When each mural is finished, they will be included in an information guide about Clearwater’s murals published by the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce.

East Gateway sits at the entrance of downtown Clearwater. Once one of Clearwater’s busiest and most fashionable neighborhood, East Gateway has gone through a decline and seen its share of crime and poverty. In response, the concerned citizens of the East Gateway are working toward transforming the community. The East Gateway Business & Neighbors Association is possibly one of the most unified, active and vocal neighborhood associations in the city.

Excellent progress has been made, with establishments such as Greektown Grill, the Frank Crum Building, and The Strand condos moving in. Nature’s Food Patch, a long time East Gateway staple, is in the process of expanding as well.

Talento 2010 is part of a larger program of economic development, and is sponsored by the East Gateway Business & Neighbors Association, the Pinellas Opportunity Council and the City of Clearwater.

For more information on the Talento 2010 program, visit www.talento2010.com.

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