Fort Myers mull purchase of River District sculptures

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency discussed potential fund allocation of $25,000 to purchase a downtown art installation Wednesday.

Through an agreement with the CRA, the city manager is looking to keep Edgardo Carmona’s 23-piece art display entitled “Allure Your Senses” as a permanent fixture, according to an agency agenda item summary.

“Not only do they help fill the CRA’s and the City’s desire for public art, but they have really activated the streets creating that sense of place,” said Leigh Scrabis, the executive director of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

The city says it’s still evaluating the purchase. But officials with the community redevelopment agency say they have already started negotiations and believe keeping the sculptures change public perception of the downtown area.