Bad Ass Coffee on Fort Myers Beach aspires to be more than just another grab-and-go coffeehouse, says Jason Thomas. He’s director of operations for South Florida.

“We're really hoping to become a neighborhood gathering spot, more of a community center.”

With a name like Bad Ass, Thomas knows a little something about branding. The shop’s blank southern exterior wall gave him an idea.

“The first time I drove up and I saw that big white wall, I thought, wow, that is not pleasant. It's kind of an eyesore,” said Thomas.

Thomas also understands the power of public art for creative placemaking.

“I spoke with my wife a little bit and we talked about doing like a '50s, '60s style postcard kind of thing,” Thomas said. “My wife got online and she goes, do you know there's a Fort Myers Mural Soci

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