CLEARWATER — The “Be Bright” community mural program that Valspar official Sara Hackney initiated as a way to brighten the spirits of not just golf fans but all residents coming off the coronavirus pandemic is one of the more visible examples of the impact the Valspar Championship PGA Tour event has had on the region.
Today, a half-dozen colorful collaborations between local artists, municipal leaders and tournament officials adorn the walls of Tampa Bay area airports, community centers and, now, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. A large crowd gathered March 12 for the unveiling of the newest Valspar Be Bright mural, a brilliant, sprawling seascape painted in about three weeks by accomplished Indian Rocks Beach artist John Comer.
But the Valspar Championship, which runs Thursday through Sunday, March 19-22 at Innisbrook Golf Resort in Palm Harbor, is the best example of the impact of the partnership with the Minnesota-based paint company. The future of Tampa Bay’s PGA Tour stop was in doubt when Valspar stepped in, but the event has grown to become a fan and player favorite on the Florida Swing in the 12 years since the company became title sponsor.
“This started as a campaign coming out of COVID and it has evolved into so much more,” said Ronde Barber, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hall of Famer who serves as chair of Copperhead Charities, the charitable arm of the tournament that has raised more than $52 million for area charities since the PGA Tour began hosting tournaments at Innisbrook 50 years ago…