Commission approves historic photo wraps for traffic signal boxes; FDOT to review images under community‑aesthetic agreement

The City Commission on July 17 voted unanimously to authorize the city to enter an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation to install artistic photographic wraps on traffic signal boxes along State Road 580 (Main Street) and Alt‑19 (Bayshore Boulevard).
Nicole Delfino, strategy and sustainability manager, said the city already installed four wraps on boxes not under FDOT jurisdiction and is seeking FDOT approval for an additional 12 boxes along SR 580 and two on Alt‑19. The images are archival photographs and local historical themes: golfers/golf carts, prams and sailors, Main Street images, beekeeping and citrus history, horses, and student art, among others.
Staff noted FDOT’s application guidance limits use of commercial text on boxes and has in some cases restricted faces; staff said it will work with FDOT to minimize any restrictions and has removed or edited text in some images for compliance. Staff also said the city will use an experienced local vendor for high‑quality vinyl wrap installation and that the wraps are protective against graffiti.
Commissioners praised the project’s local character; the resolution authorizing the agreement passed unanimously. Staff will finalize images and locations and submit the FDOT application package for approval.
Ending: If approved by FDOT, installations will proceed and the Dunedin History Museum will provide interpretive text for the wrapped boxes already installed on city‑controlled boxes.