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CRA approves $3,000 mural matching grant for Matilda's at 15 Southwest Flagler Avenue
Summary
The Stuart CRA unanimously approved a $3,000 mural matching grant to Dana Small, owner of Matilda's at 15 Southwest Flagler Avenue; commissioners debated whether to accept CRB recommendations on artistic details before voting to fund the project.
The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of the City of Stuart voted unanimously to approve a $3,000 mural matching grant for Dana Small, owner of Matilda's at 15 Southwest Flagler Avenue.
City attorney Lee Baggett read Resolution number 07Dash2025CRA, authorizing the board chair to execute an agreement between the CRA and Dana Small for a 50/50 mural matching grant not to exceed $3,000. Jordan Pinkston, CRA program manager, told the board the program budgets $20,000 per fiscal year and that the proposed artwork, by Cynthia Santos, will be roughly 18 feet wide by 14 feet high.
Dana Small, the property owner, addressed the board: "I have lived in Stuart for 25 years. I've run my business, Matilda's, for 18 years in the building... I purchased the building myself 3 years ago... I did invest money into looking at other artisans... and I just wanted something that when people go by... there's a happiness, something bright and cheery." She said the mural will refresh a blank exterior and attract visitors.
The CRB had requested minor adjustments — notably making the sailfish fin "more defined" and raising questions about plant species in the artwork — but the vice mayor moved to approve the grant "as it's presented without any other nonsense." Legal counsel explained that the CRA has delegated final public-art approval authority to the Cultural Review Board (CRB) for public art, but the CRA board may still vote on funding. After discussion about a few very small aesthetic tweaks, the board returned to the motion and approved the resolution by roll call: Board member James — Yes; Board member Giobi — Yes; Board member Clark — Yes; Chair Rich — Yes; Vice chair Collins — Yes; Board member Breckville — Yes; Board member Reid — Yes.
The approved funding covers the CRA's portion of the matching grant; Pinkston said the program aims to use public art to revitalize the CRA area and that murals funded through the program should be maintained for a minimum of five years.
The board closed the item by congratulating Small and encouraging photos and social sharing; Small thanked the board. The CRA will execute the agreement and proceed with the matching-payments process.
