Stunning Mosaic Transforms St. Petersburg Sidewalk into Vibrant Wildlife Showcase

On October 28th, 2025, the city of St. Petersburg is set to celebrate the grand opening of a remarkable public art project - the "Sunshine City Mosaic." This stunning mosaic sidewalk, more than three years in the making, is now being hailed as the longest in Florida and one of the longest in the United States.

The mosaic, created by a team of three artists - Alex Kaufman, George Retkes, and Laura Spencer (known as Miss Crit) - features 15,000 pieces of porcelain tile and glass, meticulously assembled to depict a vibrant array of wildlife native to the area. The walkable artwork starts at its eastern end with animals from Tampa Bay and transitions to wildlife from the Gulf of Mexico as visitors stroll westward, heading toward the beaches.

The mosaic is not just a visual delight; it also serves a practical purpose, allowing pedestrians to avoid the busy intersection at Central Avenue and Park Street S. and enjoy a peaceful stroll through Sunset Park, a lesser-known green space along the Intracoastal Waterway. The $50,000 publicly-funded project is a testament to the city's commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

The Sunshine City Mosaic's debut comes at a time when public art and arts programs have faced increased scrutiny, with some conservative groups criticizing government spending on such initiatives. However, the artists behind the project emphasize the importance of public art in beautifying urban spaces and fostering a sense of community. They also highlight the role of organizations like Creative Pinellas, which provided early support and grants that helped launch their careers, ultimately leading to this notable work.