A water tank at Jaycee Park in Fort Pierce is the only South Florida water tank up for Tnemec Company, Inc.’s 2026 Tank of the Year
Digital Content Reporter/ Traffic Anchor
FORT PIERCE, Fla. —
A water tank at Jaycee Park has been transformed into a colorful tribute to Florida’s native wildlife thanks to Stuart-born and raised artist Christian Stanley and his wife, Jessica.
“We keep an eye on the happenings that are going on here in Fort Pierce and saw that there was an open call to artists and put together a design that we thought was a strong submission and submitted it, and we’re fortunately selected to come out here and paint the tank,” said Stanley, co-owner of C. Stanley Creative LLC.
The decades-old, 22-foot-tall tank that can hold a million gallons of water is owned by Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. It was once a bright shade of white; now it features colorful paintings of manatees, dolphins, turtles, fish and pelicans, along with a sunset.
“The great joy that I get out of being of mural artist is taking stuff from the ocean, from the forest, whatever, and bringing it out to the streets for people to see in a much larger-than-life fashion,” he said. “So, when I knew the call was interested in being kind of native Florida wildlife, I knew that we could really bring something together that would be really impactful for the community.”
On Tuesday, Stanley and his wife traveled from Central Florida to the Treasure Coast to apply a UV clear coat to help protect the artwork against the harsh environment of the shore.
The two originally began painting the tank in August, completing the mural within a month. He said they then decided to enter their work into Tnemec Company, Inc.’s 2026 Tank of the Year, not expecting much. But became the only South Florida water tank in the running against dozens across the state and the country.
“We’re so excited,” Stanley said. “I think this is maybe our fourth tank, but yeah, definitely the first project that I’ve done that’s kind of close to my hometown. And we’re excited to be back and be a part of it. And it’s really cool to be nominated. I hope that we have what it takes to be the winner, but we’ll see.”
Stanley said it’s an honor to have their work recognized nationally, but he takes special pride in seeing it displayed in a place he still calls home: the Treasure Coast.
“It’s putting Fort Pierce Utilities Authority on the map in a really positive way,” said Karyl Bertram, Environmental Laboratory Coordinator at Fort Pierce Utilities Authority. “We’re very proud of our drinking water here. And yeah, it’s just a really nice, warm feeling to know that we’re being recognized for something as beautiful as this.”
According to Tnemec Company, Inc., one tank will be chosen by the public’s vote, while 11 will be chosen by a committee of water tank enthusiasts. The people’s choice voting closes on Friday, with the tank of the year expected to be announced next week.