Mural planned for Broadway building presented to commissioners

Oct. 25—BROADWAY — The owners of a Broadway business gave town commissioners a glimpse of a mural that will be painted on the side of their Main Street business.

The design was presented by Bobby and Dawn Sharpe, owners of Popcorn Heaven, at Monday's meeting of the Broadway Board of Commissioners. It's planned along one side of the building at 117 S. Main St.

Sanford's Historic Preservation Planner Liz Whitmore has helped the Sharpes navigate the required paperwork, Bobby Sharpe said.

Muralist Chris Dalton, the artist behind many of Sanford's downtown murals, will create the mural for Pop Heaven, he said.

"We have met with Liz Whitmore and got in touch with Chris and gave her our idea," Sharpe said.

The mural will cover the length of the wall and will include a 3-D balloon, according to Sharpe.

The Sharpes opened their business in 2022. Since then, the business has delivered shipments of assorted candies, fudge, popcorn and other gifts across the United States.

"We've got all 50 states covered," Sharpe said. "Doing this, I think, will bring more people in. It's great advertising for Broadway."

The design and plan drew praises from the commissioners.

"I commend you guys for coming to Broadway. I hear so many positive comments about your store and not just your store, but you all," Commissioner April Collins said.

"It looks good," Mayor Pro Tem Thomas Beal said.

No board action will be required, according to David Montgomery, a planner for Sanford and Lee County.

"It's public art and there's nothing you can do as long as it's not a (business) sign and is on private property," he said.

Commissioner Teresa Dew Kelly thanked the Sharpes.

"We all like it. Thank you for being considerate."