![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/02Neptune-Grill-Mural_Maggie-Duffy_11272025.jpg\")
Neptune Grill\u2019s new mural, painted by Gulfport artist Kiersten Long, pays homage to owner Dia Vartsakis\u2019 Greek heritage.\u00a0Photo by Maggie Duffy<\/p>\n
Neptune Grill\u2019s new mural, painted by Gulfport artist Kiersten Long, pays homage to owner Dia Vartsakis\u2019 Greek heritage.\u00a0
Photo by Maggie Duffy<\/p>\n
Just shy of a year since it was devastated by Hurricane Helene, Gulfport\u2019s beloved Neptune Grill reopened in August<\/a>. Now, a new mural pays homage to owner Dia Vartsakis\u2019 Greek heritage.\u00a0<\/p>\n It\u2019s being painted by Kiersten Long, whose murals have brightened up garages on many Gulfport homes and paid tribute to music legend John Prine<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Long said Vartsakis approached her about painting the mural before the restaurant reopened, about four months ago.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cI was really honored, because I know there\u2019s a ton of muralists, but (Vartsakis) really wanted to go local and get a Gulfport artist,\u201d Long said. \u201cI think it is amazing to sort of give back, because our community was hit.\u201d<\/p>\n Vartsakis had a very specific vision for the mural, Long said, a trait she appreciates from clients. It\u2019s inspired by the Greek island Santorini, located on the Aegean Sea.\u00a0<\/p>\n The scene depicts the island\u2019s hallmark stark white architecture accented with cobalt blue roofs, perched along the coast of the same azure sea. Long was still working on the companion panel, which will depict the city landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n All around the restaurant\u2019s exterior, Long painted Greek vases filled with bougainvillea plants that climb up the facade. She created shadows, giving the perfect sun-soaked effect.\u00a0<\/p>\n Painted bright blue shutters and a Greek key motif, not to mention Neptune\u2019s location across from Boca Ciega Bay, really transports you to Santorini.<\/p>\n [Read more below]Arts<\/a> All Around!<\/p>\n The Gabber Newspaper covers live theater and art<\/a> across South Pinellas. And, when we find something worth the drive, we cover art in the Tampa Bay and Sarasota areas.<\/p>\n Being hired to paint the mural was a bit of a turning point for Long. Regular mural gigs had dried up after the hurricanes, and she was teaching full time, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n But Vartsakis encouraged her to do it. And since then, with people always passing by to stop her and ask about her work, she\u2019s now booked with mural jobs through the spring.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the heart of Gulfport,\u201d Long said. People want to support the community, she said, the same way Neptune\u2019s regular customers are so happy its back open.<\/p>\n And she sees the mural as a symbol of Gulfport\u2019s resiliency.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIt gives people hope that we are recovering,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s slowly happening, but you can see it\u2019s happening.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Neptune Grill, 5501 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport. neptunegrillgulfport.com<\/a>, 727-623-4823<\/a>.<\/p>\n We\u2019re the calm during the storm. No hype, only help!<\/p>\n Bookmark The Gabber Newspaper\u2018s storm coverage<\/a> page for quick access to relevant tropical storm updates. No hype, no guessing, just updates on shelters, sandbags, and closures. Sign up for text alerts<\/a> to get real-time guidance and prep advice when there\u2019s a named storm heading our way. Also, check out our downtown Gulfport and beach web cams<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/03Neptune-Grill-Mural_Cameron-Healy_11272025.jpg\")
Gulfport artist Kiersten Long painting a scene of the Greek island Santorini on the side of Neptune Grill.
Photo by Cameron HealyNeptune Grill\u2019s New Mural<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/01Neptune-Grill-Mural_Maggie-Duffy_11272025-scaled-e1763661861487.jpg\")
All around the restaurant\u2019s exterior, Kiersten Long painted Greek vases filled with bougainvillea plants that climb up the facade.
Photo by Maggie DuffyGulfport Artist Kiersten Long<\/p>\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/04Neptune-Grill-Mural_Kiersten-Long_11272025-e1763662155781.jpg\")
Long\u2019s scene depicts the island\u2019s hallmark stark white architecture accented with cobalt blue roofs, perched along the coast of the same azure sea.
Photo by Kiersten Long<\/p>\n