A splash of color is transforming a small building in Fort Walton Beach as a new mural takes shape on Eglin Parkway, reflecting a growing trend of public art across Okaloosa County.

• The mural, commissioned by developer Jayme Nabors, adorns the back wall of a recently acquired building at 3 Eglin Pkwy, next to Dodge’s Chicken. 

Painted by Off The Walls Murals, the artwork features vibrant pink and teal hues, aligning with the branding of Nabors’ “Beach Weekend” company.

“We’re thrilled to contribute to the vibrant culture of Fort Walton Beach with the new mural on Eglin Parkway,” Nabors said. “It beautifully captures the spirit of fun and adventure that Beach Weekend brings to the community, highlighting the experiences we offer to locals and visitors alike.”

The mural showcases scenery reminiscent of the local area, with “FWB” painted in the style of an old postcard. It also incorporates elements of Beach Weekend’s offerings, including their marina and a pontoon boat rentals.

Caroline Holland and Tiana Kuwica, the artists behind Off The Walls Murals, explained their creative process during an on-site interview. “We did a call with Beach Weekend to get an idea of what they were looking for specifically,” Holland said. “Then, we gave two designs based on the notes we took on that call and then meshed the two designs together.”

• Kuwica added, “They obviously wanted a bright, fun, illustrative wall. We have some of their brand in here, and it’s also representative of the Fort Walton Beach area.”

Holland and Kuwica began their collaboration in 2021, combining Holland’s background in commission painting and Kuwica’s experience in graphic design. What started as a side project has since become a full-time pursuit for both artists.

“Our goal is not just to paint murals that look fun, our goal is to paint murals that matter!” the artists stated on their website. They emphasize their passion for making a positive difference in the communities they serve.

The mural’s location, facing the gas station pumps, ensures high visibility to customers and passersby. It serves not only as a beautification project but also as a potential attraction for locals and tourists alike.

“We’ve had so many people come up and talk to us and ask us about the mural and tell us how cool it is,” Kuwica said, highlighting the community engagement these projects generate. Holland added, “They even ask about the business itself. They want to know what this building is. They may have gotten gas here 100 different times and never looked at this building twice before.”

This project is part of a larger trend of mural art appearing throughout Okaloosa County, contributing to the redevelopment and visual enhancement of various areas. Off The Walls Murals has completed projects in Navarre, Destin, and Pensacola, with this being one of their first in Fort Walton Beach.