In neighborhoods across Tampa Bay, walls are coming to life with color and creativity — thanks to a powerful new partnership between Florida Paints and Adorn the Bay, a mural initiative aimed at turning storm-battered buildings into vibrant landmarks of resilience. At the heart of this effort is a shared belief: that color has the power to heal, connect, and inspire
Florida Paints Joins In with a Bright Contribution
We’re proud to say that Florida Paints is now a foundational sponsor of Adorn the Bay. Through our Paint a Brighter Day program, we’re donating all the paint used in these murals—starting with the first project at Playtime Learning Academy, a Tampa preschool that was damaged by Hurricane Helene.
The mural being created there is bold, playful, and full of wonder—just like the kids who walk through its doors every morning — a celebration of learning, reading, and childhood curiosity.
“This is exactly the kind of project we believe in,” says Santiago Quintero, Director of Marketing at Florida Paints. “It brings people together. It uplifts local families. And it shows what paint and purpose can do together.”
What is Adorn the Bay?
Adorn the Bay is a community mural project that’s doing more than just painting walls—it’s helping rebuild lives. Launched by Adorn Murals and the nonprofit AMPD Project, the initiative supports artists displaced by recent hurricanes in Florida while revitalizing schools, nonprofits, and small businesses that were hit hard by storms.
Each mural is designed to reflect the heart of the community it serves—whether that’s a preschool, a local market, or a municipal building—and tells a story of strength, creativity, and recovery.
“This is about more than murals. It’s about what art can do when it’s used for good,” says Jessica Henson, founder of Adorn Murals and co-creator of Adorn the Bay.
Behind the Paint: The Impact of a Mural
Adorn the Bay is a community mural project that’s doing more than just painting walls—it’s helping rebuild lives. Launched by Adorn Murals and the nonprofit AMPD Project, the initiative supports artists displaced by recent hurricanes in Florida while revitalizing schools, nonprofits, and small businesses that were hit hard by storms.
Each mural is designed to reflect the heart of the community it serves—whether that’s a preschool, a local market, or a municipal building—and tells a story of strength, creativity, and recovery.
“This is about more than murals. It’s about what art can do when it’s used for good,” says Jessica Henson, founder of Adorn Murals and co-creator of Adorn the Bay.
Behind the Paint: The Impact of a Mural
What’s beautiful about this initiative is that it’s layered—like the coats of paint going up on each wall.
- For the school: It’s a symbol of hope and a bright step forward after months of rebuilding.
- For the community: It’s a public artwork that invites pride and connection.
- For the artists: It’s a job, a canvas, and a way to give back using their talent.
Chris Drew, the owner of Playtime Learning Academy, summed it up best: “We’ve worked hard to rebuild after the storm, and this mural is the finishing touch. It’s a gift to our school and to the community.”
And this is just the beginning.
Adorn the Bay has plans to complete 5–10 murals across the Tampa Bay area this year, with hopes to grow even more as funding and community support increases.
fOUR wAYS You Can Get Involved
If you’re as inspired by this as we are, there are a few easy ways to be part of the story:
1. Sponsor a mural through the initiative (perfect for businesses or nonprofits looking to make an impact)
2. Nominate a location that’s ready for a transformatio
3. Follow along on Instagram at @adornthebay
4. Or just help spread the word
At Florida Paints, we’ve always believed that paint is more than just color on a wall—it’s a tool for transformation. Through our Paint a Brighter Day program, we’ve donated over 8,000 gallons of paint to nonprofits, schools, and local projects that are changing lives.
Partnering with Adorn the Bay lets us take that mission one step further: using art to restore not just buildings, but spirits.
We can’t wait to see more murals come to life across Florida—and we hope you’ll be part of it.
Keep up with our work in the community, follow us on social media.
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Melanie Espinal
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