City staff reported that the public artwork at the Mercado, 1384 Gulf of Bay Boulevard, was completed by artist Christina Salas in partnership with Unimex, local businesses, the CRA and the community. Staff said the piece was unveiled at a block party on April 6 featuring live music, food vendors and other programming and that community response has been positive.

The artwork includes the city’s largest mosaic component, wrapped planter beds with painted fruit elements and sun-veil awnings in the plaza area. Staff said they are investigating sealing the painted portions of the work and adding caulk around planter-bed edges to finish the installation.

Staff confirmed the Mercado plaza is a reservable park space and that the community event tying the unveiling to ongoing merchant activity was well attended. No concerns about maintenance or long-term durability beyond routine sealing were raised in board discussion.