FPRA selects community favorite for Sunrise Theater mural, delays final approval pending building assessment

The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency reviewed community poll results and a staff update for a proposed mural on the west-facing wall of the Sunrise Theater on Nov. 12. Staff reported more than 2,000 votes in the poll and said Bridal Peterson's design received the majority of community support.

The FPRA had included $75,000 in the FY2025 budget for the mural. Staff and the artist noted the wall is not a flat surface and preliminary site work—pressure washing, crack repairs, priming, and protection—would add roughly $15,000 to the project cost. Several commissioners raised concerns about active stucco leaks and roof flashing failure and advised that the mural should not be installed until the exterior building envelope and roof issues are assessed and addressed to avoid short-lived or delaminating artwork.

Staff (Miss Hedges and the interim executive director) said they are obtaining quotes and an assessment of the entire roof and siding to determine the scope of necessary repairs; they also noted procurement rules could require an RFP and that doing larger construction work first could delay the mural. The board indicated consensus to proceed with the selected artist and the revised design concept but directed staff to return with formal specifications and a building-condition assessment before final approval and contract execution.