Tampa DT Partnership

Mural Statement:

This mural honors the Tocobaga tribe who once inhabited the Tampa Bay area and explores themes of unity, transformation, and cultural memory.

At the heart of the piece, two hands are clasped in a gesture of connection.

The grid and dot patterns reference urban planning and the ongoing development of the past, present, and future. Red motif woven into the design draws inspiration from traditional indigenous patterns.

At the base, a pile of shells serves as a memorial to those who came before us. Movement and energy flow throughout the piece in the form of waves and shimmering elements, expressing nature’s rhythm and vitality.

The native fish and yellow flowers represent abundance and a deep connection to the local environment, while the iconic wave form pays tribute to the Channelside district’s evolving identity. Finally, a sunbeam breaking through the top left corner, paired with butterflies and three canoes, symbolizes rebirth, migration, and the forward movement of ancestral spirit.