The Fort Myers Mural Society invites the public to join in celebrating the first in a series of murals celebrating Lee County’s unique communities. The “Greetings from Pine Island” mural will be dedicated at 4 p.m., Thursday, May 11, at the Eagles Nest Restaurant at 10880 Stringfellow Road on Pine Island.

The mural project is a partnership between the Lee County Visitor & Convention Bureau and the Fort Myers Mural Society and is meant to highlight the unique attributes of each neighborhood in Lee County through art. Visitors will be able to interact with the mural’s design by taking and sharing photos that will stimulate interest in visiting the destination.

Placemaking is a new priority for the VCB, the lead marketing agency for tourism to Lee County. This collaborative process strengthens the connection between people and the places they share.

The ultimate goal is to improve residents’ wellbeing, quality of life and community pride. It also helps generate sustainable tourism and supports economic development.

According to VISIT Florida, “mural art is hot in the Sunshine State, inspiring travelers to go out of their way to take in the scenes, which have become backdrops for engagement photos and Saturday night selfless.”

VISIT Florida promotes murals statewide with Florida’s Mural Trail. There are approximately 117 murals in Lee County.

The mural has been painted by artists Doug Steward and Roland Ruocco, both of whom are Pine Island residents. Ruocco has been a member of the FMMS for 5 years and is delighted to have designed and painted the mural representing Pine Island.

“As a resident and local artist, Pine Island’s unique natural beauty, wildlife and serenity are elements that I appreciate daily and are expressed through my art,” he said.

The Fort Myers Mural Society is a non-profit organization with objectives that include the revitalization, preservation and economic enhancement of the community through the painting of murals that depict the rich history of the area.

For additional information on murals in Lee County, visit www.fortmyersmuralsociety.com.