Local Community Projects Celebrate Fort Lauderdale’s Culture and History

Public Invited to Dedication of Marshall Bridge Murals and State Heritage Marker

Shannon Vezina , Public Information Specialist
954-828-4743 or svezina@fortlauderdale.gov

Fort Lauderdale - The City of Fort Lauderdale will host a ceremony to dedicate four murals on the William H. Marshall Bridge and a State Historical Marker in William Lauderdale Park at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 2, 2012.  Neighbors are invited to attend the formal dedication of these community projects and learn about their historic significance. 

The event will begin with a dedication ceremony for the Marshall Bridge murals that will take place at Cooley’s Landing marine facility, located in the historic Sailboat Bend neighborhood at 450 S.W. 7th Avenue.  Immediately following the mural dedication, attendees will board a Sun Trolley and head to nearby William Lauderdale Park at 400 S.W. 11th Avenue to unveil a State Historical Marker to commemorate the first "Fort Lauderdale."  After the marker unveiling, the Sun Trolley will take guests back to Cooley’s Landing where they will be able to enjoy a free Water Taxi ride to experience the murals from the New River.

Local elected officials scheduled to speak at the ceremony include City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor John P. "Jack" Seiler, District IV Commissioner Romney Rogers and Broward County Mayor John Rodstrom, Jr.  Mural artist Kevin Kichar and Tarpon River resident Gloria Reese will also provide remarks.  

The Marshall Bridge murals reflect the culmination of a community project to enhance the structure and surrounding neighborhoods.  The Tarpon River Civic Association, with assistance from the Sailboat Bend neighborhood, raised funds for more than a decade and ultimately commissioned local artists Kevin Kichar and Diane Hutchinson to bring their vision for the bridge to life.  The artists created four original 7’x 10’ murals that use vibrant tile mosaics to celebrate the area’s rich history and cultural heritage. 

The State Historical Marker is part of a Centennial initiative to raise awareness about local history and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, the City applied to the Florida Department of State, for four heritage markers to commemorate significant locations and milestones in Fort Lauderdale. 

The marker that will be unveiled in William Lauderdale Park stands on the site of the first "Fort Lauderdale," which was established in 1838 when 200 mounted Tennessee Volunteers were sent to the area during the Seminole Wars.

For more information, visit www.fortlauderdale.gov or call (954) 828-4743.