Commission backs $25,000 toward mural, public art for 700–800 blocks of Duval Street

The Key West City Commission voted to recommend up to $25,000 from Art in Public Places funds toward a public mural at 801 Duval Street and to support wider beautification measures on the 700–800 blocks of Duval.

Residents urged the commission to preserve and celebrate neighborhood histories. “Item number 2 gives us the opportunity to support a mural at the 801 Duval Street,” public commenter Jordan Upchurch told the board during public comment, arguing the blocks are a prominent place to begin telling Key West’s LGBTQ+ history. City attorneys and staff explained the city’s path: the contribution would be contingent on the design being approved by the Art in Public Places board and HARC and follow public-process requirements.

The resolution the commission approved recommends AIPP funds be contributed to an outside sponsor, the Key West Business Guild, which would run a call for proposals and coordinate design and approvals. City attorney staff emphasized that public funding must be used for a public purpose and that the timetable set by the legislature creates urgency; as the city attorney put it during the discussion, “Short answer is yes, we can” contribute under those conditions.

Commissioners asked that the art board and HARC be engaged early and that any donated funds be subject to escrow/agreements to ensure compliance. The motion passed on a roll-call vote; commissioners directed staff to coordinate the required approvals and return with any necessary documents.