The City of Sanford held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday in Paulucci Park to unveil a new mural celebrating the Sanford Fire Department’s 150th anniversary.
The mural, which was painted by Artist Bruce Merrell, was funded by the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and commissioned by the Public Art Commission, both City of Sanford boards.
“What an exciting time for the Downtown CRA District and a great example of City Boards working together to better Sanford,” said Charles Davis, Sanford CRA Chairman.
The mural project began in late March and took about five months. Merrell said he did about 65-70 percent of the work, with some help from his assistant and his daughter. Merrell said that while he was painting “a lot of people stop and could see how [the mural] tells a story from left to right.”
“The old-time sepia color to the in-color side, it gives a historic look of [the mural] as it progresses,” said Merrell. “I think a lot of people weren’t aware how old the department actually is.”
The Sanford Fire Department is the second oldest fire department in the state, behind the Key West Fire Department.
The City held a kick-off to celebrate the “first official ‘paint stroke’” for the public art project on April 13. Several members of Sanford’s Fire Department, City officials and community members came to celebrate the event.
Sanford Fire Chief Ronnie McNeil said in a comment to the City, “I am proud to say the Public Art Commission has worked with us to celebrate this historic event in our Department, being one of the oldest Fire Departments in the state, and sharing it for all to see through art.”
Merrell said when he first started the project it was more of a job.
“But I’m a history buff so it was definitely something that interested me more over time,” he said.
A portrait of Hezekiah Ross, the man who became Sanford’s first Black firefighter in February 1969 and was also the departments first Chaplain, is featured on the mural.
“Some workers were doing the pavement and they recognized him right off the bat. I was happy that they could recognize him. You can tell he meant a lot to the community,” said Merrell. “A lot of people started showing up and taking pictures and seeing its history.”
The mural “reflects Sanford’s unique character and history,” said Sanford Mayor Art Woodruff. “Sanford’s public art program is continuing to add to the dynamic attraction Sanford has become. I am pleased we are recognizing the 150-year dedication of the Sanford Fire Department to our community through art, to be enjoyed for many years to come. This mural will be a perfect photo opportunity while visiting beautiful historic downtown Sanford,”
Virginia Poe, Public Art Commission Chairman, said, “Public art has the power to elevate our community, bringing both an aesthetic and emotional uplift.”
Merrell said his experience while painting the mural was “all positive and upbeat.”
“People offered me food and drinks. It was just all fun,” said Merrell. “People were honking as they were going by in their cars. Then there were the cars honking the car in front of them stopped at a green light because they are staring. That happened at least once a day.”
The mural was one of two unveiled in back-to-back ribbon cuttings on Thursday. The other mural is located at the Riverwalk Shuffleboard Court Building at 409 E. Seminole Blvd.
Photos by Brea Joens
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