On July 8, 2025 Tropical Solace, a five story mural by artist MUTA Visión was unveiled at the Governmental Center Parking Garage in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The mural faces Broward Boulevard. The artist known as MUTA Visión is Muta Santiago, a Hispanic American Visual artist and Muralist, currently based in Miami, Florida. MUTA Visión is known for portraiture, experimental street art, and commercial work.
Tropical Solace replaces a historical themed mural that has been on the garage since 1988. It was painted by Dan Daddonna who passed away in 2014. The mural was of various historical scenes in Broward and it depicted a less inclusive past. One of the images was of former Florida Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward, the county's namesake, who was known for being a segregationist. Some of the things he has said are not aligned with current views and people felt the mural was racist. It had also become faded and was not in keeping with the vibrancy of downtown.
Last year residents were able to weigh in on a survey. Environmental conservation won and popular opinion held that the new mural should highlight the Everglades. Tropical Solace depicts a Great Blue Heron with a tropical sunset in the background. A palate of bright blues, greens and oranges was chosen in the survey.
I love the new artwork. It brightens up downtown and is a great backdrop for pictures. While I love all things historical, it was time to move in a new direction. read more