Proposed downtown mural sparked controversy. Here’s how city commissioners voted
Coral Springs Commissioners voted on a controversial public art proposal and called attention to a variety of subjects during the Wednesday, Nov. 5, meeting.
Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen participated virtually from the U.N. Climate Conference, COP30, in Belém, Brazil, where she is representing Coral Springs.
Here’s a recap and what to know:
Controversial murals tabled
Public art proposed for the Cornerstone development in downtown Coral Springs has sparked controversy in recent weeks, with residents questioning the piece’s visual appeal, particularly along Sample Road.
The mural, titled “We Rise,” was designed by CJ Hungerman and features vibrant flowers on a bold black-and-white striped background.
An additional set of two murals, titled “Feature Wall 1” and “Paseo Mural,” were designed by Sonny Behan. They feature photorealistic Florida panthers and pink spoonbills.
Tina Jou, Director of Development Services, testified that city and Coral Springs Art Museum staff received 64 proposals for the pieces. She added that the murals were chosen because of their alignment with the museum’s rebranding strategy and move to the downtown Coral Springs area.
Former mayor Roy Gold pushed against the murals during public comment.
“For the life of me, personally, I don’t know what this art, these flowers have to do with the city of Coral Springs,” Gold said.
He focused on the outdoor mural proposed for the Coral Springs Art Museum portion of the Cornerstone complex, and highlighted the fact that none of the flowers or animals featured are native or common in the city.
City Manager Catherine Givens and various commissioners pulled both items from the voting agenda after expressing apprehension that the mural would clash with downtown aesthetics.
Several members also spoke to concerns that it was too early to install artwork on an unfinished and largely vacant space.
They agreed with Gold and mentioned having more local artists and local visuals — including the Everglades, alligators, and sports teams .
Coral Springs Charter School budget increase approved
Commissioners voted unanimously to pass a budget increase of over $1 million for the Coral Springs Charter School, which spent over its budget in the last fiscal year.
During her public testimony, Director of Budget and Sustainability Ileana Kyriakides said that the Florida Education Finance Program and other state entities will pay for the gap — not using any of the general funds.
Other items of note
- Members of the Coral Springs Community Chest, including Commission candidate Melissa Donnahoe, expressed support for residents suffering under the SNAP funding freeze. They also highlighted a fundraiser with Pepperoni Grill happening Nov. 10-16.
- Commissioner Joshua Simmons and Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer-Bowen spoke about the devastation facing Caribbean residents in Hurricane Melissa’s wake, and encouraged people to donate to the city’s food and supply drive.
- Commissioner Joshua Simmons brought up a need for a more comprehensive policy surrounding e-bikes and scooters. City Manager Catherine Givens and Deputy City Manager Dale Pazdra detailed current plans to collect data and create legislation based on that data, which they expect to have in February or March 2026.
- Current and former elected officials celebrated the lives of recently deceased city leaders, including former city manager Mike Levinson and former fire chief Russ Donovan.
Appointments
- Mark Basciano to the Community Involved Government Committee.
- Alan Paley, Anthony Spina, JoAnn Petrone, Tony Bianco and Franklyn Tamarez to the newly formed Veterans Committee.
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM.
