The people of the Florida Keys are in danger of losing a treasured piece of our cultural history. 

Since 2001, more than 22 years, a beautiful mural painted by famous artists Wyland and Guy Harvey has graced the wall of a large building in Marathon, Florida.   Known as “Florida’s Radiant Reef”, the painting with its portrayal of majestic marine animals was an instant icon. It is not merely aesthetically beautiful; it is also a beacon for ocean awareness, education, and conservation.

Now, this treasured artwork is at risk of being covered up or destroyed by the SurfStyle company as they prepare to move a new store into the leased retail space. Their permit application has been submitted to the city. The Chief Operating Officer of SurfStyle stated on record to local media that the company’s planned design will replace the original.

You can read a comprehensive, detailed article about this issue, including comments from Wyland, Guy Harvey, and SurfStyle management from the Keys Weekly Newspaper here: 

https://keysweekly.com/42/setting-the-record-straight-surfstyle-mural-artists-speak-out-on-plans-for-kmart-building/

We who sign this petition do not want to lose this mural that has been a landmark in our city for decades.

Action must be taken now to convince SurfStyle to change their plan, preserve the original mural, and include it in their design plan.

Please unite your voice with ours by signing this petition. Show SurfStyle that we treasure the mural and are adamant that it remain in place so that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy and be inspired by it for years to come.