Fort Pierce board approves interlocal agreement for JC Park water-tank mural funded by redevelopment agency

The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority voted April 7 to authorize an interlocal agreement with the Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency to install a public-art mural on the JC Park water tank.

Rachel Tennant, director of public affairs and sustainability, told the board that FPRA identified the project in its mural-program budget and would lead the artist selection process. Tennant said FPUA’s role is to prepare the tank — pressure wash and, if needed, prime — while the FPRA program will finance the mural and conduct the call for artists on the CAFe platform.

Tennant said FPRA budgeted up to $60,000 for the mural and expects the agency to propose bids that may be lower to allow contingency room. The mural concept will align with the nearby playground’s aquatic and pirate themes; Tennant said the selection process will follow sunshine-law requirements and that the mural agreement with the selected artist will clarify that the work is a partnership and will be installed on FPUA property.

Board members asked about access and safety for artists painting at height; Tennant and other speakers noted experience from recent local mural projects and said contracting and artist qualifications will account for scale and safety. Tennant said FPRA will consider the interlocal on April 14 and the teams aim to avoid painting in the hottest months for safety reasons.

The clerk read Resolution UA2026-10, described as an agreement between FPRA and FPUA for the public-art installation at JC Park. A motion to approve the interlocal agreement was moved, seconded and approved by roll call.

FPUA staff will return to the board with final artist agreements and installation details before work begins.