From Faded to Vibrant
Photos provided by Bartow CRA
If the late Herbert Dixon’s front yard became unkempt—maybe the grass had grown too long or paint was chipping off the walls—he wasn’t able to care for it. At 106 years old, the beloved Bartownian was too weak to even walk around his home and primarily got around with a wheelchair.
His daughter, Dorothy Dixon, reached out to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a local government program designated for the rehabilitation of properties within various Bartow commercial and residential districts. She asked them to consider installing new window panels for Herbert’s home. Not only did the organization agree, but it also offered to give the exterior of the house a fresh layer of paint.
Herbert’s eyes lit up with delight when he saw his home, newly coated in a light tan. The makeover of his home on 945 E. Tee Circle brought pride to him. He gave joyful thanks to the painters who carried out Bartow CRA’s promise. “He was very excited,” said Dorothy, “he talked to the volunteers for a long time.”
Michael Williamson, owner of Williamson Painting in Bartow, watched the moment unfold with joy. Herbert’s story touched his heart, and he was pleased to see that the local legend, who famously has played more rounds of golf at Bartow Golf Course than anyone ever (unofficially), appreciated the generous work of community neighbors.
“The whole idea here is to spread the spirit, help people that need help, and, you know, just paint your heart out.”
A new layer of paint can make a home feel refreshed in an instant, giving it a refined look. Yet for many, such a project isn’t feasible. Herbert’s story demonstrates that the physical demands of a refinishing job might keep it out of reach for those with declining strength. Painting may also be considered too costly a venture for others, as it usually costs thousands of dollars.
With the help of 160 volunteers, Bartow CRA painted 22 homes and one commercial property on July 11 as part of its new “Paint Your Heart Out” initiative. These homes were selected according to the suggestions of community stakeholders following a committee review of the neighborhood’s properties. Local support displayed Bartow residents’ enthusiasm for enhancing the beauty of its neighborhoods.
Paint Your Heart Out is not novel to Florida; in fact, many cities including Tampa and Lakeland have launched a community volunteer day for beautifying homes this way. Still, Bartow’s project is particularly extraordinary as it was a community-wide endeavor.
The effort began long before the idea for the event came into focus. Bartow CRA purchased several properties in the neighborhood to redevelop. Every action taken by the organization aims to make Bartow feel more like home to people. This purpose prospered and was on full display with Paint Your Heart Out.
“We have a lot to be proud of here, and that’s the heart of the CRA,” stated Executive Director C. Howard Smith.
Some of the actions taken were exceedingly charitable. Especially impressive were the donations poured into the effort. Each stroke was made possible by Behr Paint and the North Lakeland Home Depot, who graciously supplied the paint. The Bartow Fire Department was also committed to the cause, providing fire extinguishers and smoke detectors for the homes at no cost.
The grand gestures of large donations were essential, but all of the little acts of generosity from individuals also added to make the CRA’s impact even greater.
Williamson and a few other local contractors shared their expertise in painting, going from house to house to help the owners decide on a color that enhanced the curb appeal.
“I told Howard the other day, ‘Go ahead and sign me up for next year’,” Williamson remarked.
One volunteer, excited about what a paintbrush had to offer to his town, invited those from his church to come along. He was joined by around 15 congregation members, as well as his pastor.
As the sun rose on Tee Circle and the adjacent streets, the morning light patterned the homes as though they were canvases. By 8 a.m. one house was already completely painted. Colors once turning dull became vibrant, foundational layers once exposed hiding behind a new coat.
Paint Your Heart Out Bartow encapsulates the community-focused phrase, “neighbors helping neighbors”. Stepping into any role they could fill, local residents united with the pursuit of serving those in their town.
“The whole idea here is to spread the spirit, help people that need help, and, you know, just paint your heart out,” said Bartow City Manager Mike Herr.
