Visitors touching down on the Treasure Coast will soon receive a much warmer greeting, as the Vero Beach Regional Airport plans to unveil a stunning new mural. As part of an ongoing commitment to elevate the local travel experience, the city is exploring artistic ways to beautify the airport’s arriving passenger areas and perfectly capture the inviting vibe of Indian River County.
The airport is currently undergoing a significant $1.9 million terminal makeover. Instead of stepping off a flight to face a large, blank wall at the terminal, travelers will soon be immersed in the vibrant culture and aviation history of Vero Beach.
The Vero Beach Regional Airport’s $1.9 million terminal improvement project will feature a new $10,000 vintage-inspired travel mural to welcome arriving passengers near the newly renovated baggage claim area.
The comprehensive terminal upgrades are designed to drastically improve passenger comfort and accessibility. Key improvements in this project include:
- Covered passenger walkways to protect travelers from the Florida elements.
- A newly covered outdoor baggage-claim area.
- Fully upgraded, ADA-compliant restrooms.
City Councilmember Linda Moore recently shared the vision for the new artwork with the City Council, explaining that the mural will serve as a beautiful love letter to the airport and a welcoming beacon for the city. Positioned on the outside wall near the new baggage claim, the artwork will be the very first thing passengers see after collecting their luggage.
To bring this vision to life, four local artists will be commissioned to submit proposals. The initial design concept aims to replicate a classic airline travel poster, paying homage to both the rich history of Vero Beach and its longstanding local airport. Councilmember Moore noted that the selected artists were chosen specifically for their specialized experience in creating large-scale wall murals, which requires a distinct skillset compared to traditional canvas painting.
The estimated $10,000 cost for the mural is currently slated to come from the airport enterprise fund. However, local leadership, including Mayor John Cotugno, recognize this as an excellent community opportunity and have suggested seeking local sponsorships to help fund the installation.
While Moore has been deeply involved with local public art since 2019, this specific installation will remain distinct from the broader Vero Beach Mural Project. The final design decision will ultimately rest with the Vero Beach City Council, ensuring the new artwork perfectly reflects the charm of the Treasure Coast.
