The Freedom sculpture in downtown Tampa stands in Joe Chillura Courthouse Square as a twelve foot…read morefigure rising with arms lifted toward the sky, a gesture that reads as both release and resolve, and the bronze and steel surfaces catch the Florida light in a way that makes the whole form feel like it is stretching itself into the day . The rings circling the figure give it a sense of motion, almost like the air is parting around someone stepping into a wider life. The sculpture was created by artist Jerry Meatyard, Freedom was originally placed in 1987, a moment when Tampa was reshaping its downtown identity, and the piece has stayed rooted in that square ever since, becoming one of those quiet landmarks you notice more each time you pass by. The poem by James E Tokley Sr at its base adds another layer, giving the figure a voice that matches its upward reach and turning the whole installation into a small conversation between sculpture, city, and passerby. Gaze at me and wonder what I see My arms, outstretched, that measure countless stars My stance unmatched by even the tallest tree The compass of my feet, a common cause! O gaze at me and wonder what you see My glistening chest that hides a heart of steel That judges Human Will and finds it free To reach aloft and spin God's cosmic wheel! To make of life whatever life may be, Like an early morning sun, I rise up free! The sculpture is noticeable but not overwhelming. The combination of bronze, steel, and open air gives it a grounded but aspirational presence, and the longer you look the more it feels like a person caught in the instant of choosing to rise which is a fitting message for a civic square where people come and go with their own hopes and burdens. It is a piece that rewards a slow walk around it, letting the rings shift, the shadows lengthen, and the idea of freedom feel a little more tangible. [Review 127 of 2026 - 2238 in Florida - 25317 overall]

The Tampa Police Law Enforcement Memorial sits in a quiet corner of downtown, and even with the…read morebuilding behind it wrapped in scaffolding for construction or repair, the space still carries a sense of calm respect. I visited on a weekday in the early evening when the light was soft and the city had settled into that in‑between moment where the workday is ending but the nightlife hasn't quite begun, and the memorial felt like a small pause in the middle of all that motion. The names etched into the stone draw your attention in a steady, unhurried way, reminding you that this is a place meant for reflection rather than spectacle. The construction work does change the backdrop a bit, but the memorial itself remains fully accessible, and once you step into the space the scaffolding fades into the periphery. What stands out instead is the care taken in the design, the clean lines, and the way the setting encourages you to slow down for a minute. Even with the temporary clutter of repairs nearby, the memorial holds its purpose firmly, offering a respectful and grounded moment in the middle of downtown Tampa. [Review 130 of 2026 - 2241 in Florida - 25320 overall]

Hopefully, this public art exhibit will become permanent! It's on the Safety Harbor Spa wall right…read moreacross from Veterans Memorial Park. The artists include Kumpa, Yali Ilan, Diana Aitken, ANJL, Pete Smith, Adam Danger Smith and Truman Adams. Thank you to the Public Art Committee, SHAMC and the City of Safety Harbor! Life is great with art!

This is a cool mural that is located in a park in Tampa. It has a variety of sports legends and…read moreothers in the collage. It is filled with many colors and images appealing to the eye. Here is some information from the local Tampa art website. "The mural represents many sports played at the park, such as basketball and tennis, but also highlights boxing, a sport that was popular in West Tampa years ago.  Featured in the mural are Fernando "Ferdie" Pacheco, M.D., and Joe "King" Roman.  Pacheco, was a physician and cornerman for world heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali, and numerous other boxing champions. Roman, Puerto Rico's first world heavyweight championship challenger and Tampa resident, is featured in the mural as a symbol of motivation, inspiration and determination."

I prefer Tampa Fingers, but these will do…read more Really nice brand new neighbourhood in Tampa which is near the colleges and has plenty of boba shops and lots of living space. It's one of the better places in the Tampa area to live in terms of food and desserts and I like it and it has a young energy about it.

A brave Greek immigrant sponge diver stands along the docks of Tarpon Springs, a Greek community…read morethat became the center for the Florida sponge industry in 1890. In later years the town has evolved into a sponge industry tourist attraction and it is a great place to find Greek food. This bronze copper statue replaces an older fiberglass model from 1975. The Sponge Diver statue was dedicated in 2002, "In Memory of the Spongers of Tarpon Springs". The statue depicts a young man in his rubber diving suit and boots, holding his helmet in one arm. Many sponge divers died on the job. This statue stands a memorial to the lives lost while pursuing this dangerous profession. You can find the Sponge Diver Statue across from the Sponge Exchange, just west of Athens St. on Dodecanese Blvd. As a fan of public art I was pleased to make the Sponge Diver's acquaintance.

Down at the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs to attend the Sponge Docks Arts & Crafts Show this…read moreweekend. It was a gorgeous day for it. There was something for everyone. So glad to see the docks and merchants survived Idalia's storm surfer but there were a couple of shops advertising "storm sales". Great event, plenty of bargains from local and visiting artists in addition to regular merchants. I love the Sponge Docks!

The sea life mural near the Safety Harbor pier is a really nice four star stop and adds a lot of…read morecolor and character to the waterfront area. It's one of those pieces of public art that makes you pause for a moment and appreciate the creativity in an otherwise simple walking area. The mural itself is vibrant and full of ocean themed detail, with fish, sea creatures, and flowing underwater style artwork that really fits the coastal setting. It makes for a great photo spot and definitely stands out when you're walking through the area. Overall, it's a colorful, fun, and well done mural that adds personality to the area and is definitely worth checking out if you're nearby.

This is a fantastic large yet hidden public art mural in Safety Harbor! Visible from the basketball…read morecourt on the left, I'd like to thank Stacy Roth for painting it! There are manatees all around Safety Harbor pier in the winter so this mural is quite appropriate for #HarborLife! Enjoy it! Life is good with art!

My wife and I stopped in and saw the doggie while while we were in town interesting little concept…read morejust a bunch of dogs with the city above it and just neat to see