It was 2009. The economy had nose-dived, and foreclosures dominated the news. Across the country, people were losing their homes, their jobs, and their sense of certainty.

But in Dunedin, something else began to appear on the walls. Oranges.

No one knew who painted them. No one knew why. Merchants woke up to beautifully rendered citrus on their roll-down gates. Homeowners discovered oranges beside their front doors. Most residents loved stumbling across them, and guessing the culprit’s identity became a running community joke. The phenomenon grew so popular that some merchants even posted notes on their walls reading, “Hey, paint orange here!“

The mystery deepened when a downtown restaurant’s surveillance camera caught two figures in the act at 5:30 A.M. The tape was turned over to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Once authorities began asking questions, the culprits came forward and confessed.

Steven Spathelf, a local muralist, and Marsha Goins were the artists behind the “Orange Graffiti.”

No charges were filed. When asked why they did it, their response was simple: they wanted to champion public art and boost local commerce during a bleak economic recession. And why the orange? Because Dunedin shares a deeply rooted history with the citrus industry.

“Not all businesses were targeted,” Spathelf later recalled with a smile. “Anyone with a smooth wall got one.”

Over time, these rogue oranges transformed into a beloved Dunedin icon.

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The Orange Man: 17 Years Later

As I write this featured piece on Steven Spathelf, I am struck by the heavy sense that we are living through history in the making.

Today, the man affectionately known as “The Orange Man” faces a new, deeply personal battle. Spathelf’s family recently announced that he has been diagnosed with late-onset dementia. He is currently under the care of loved ones and will soon transition to a specialized memory care facility.

Yet, even as his memory fades, his artistic spirit remains untouched.

“You will be glad to know that he is still painting his signature oranges,” his family shared. “We provide him with fresh canvases and paints as he needs them. Steve’s happy place is when he’s painting. It’s when he is most in control of his life, and that’s important. He is in really good hands, is doing well, and still has his great sense of humor… which will serve him well in his journey.”

Spathelf is a cherished local celebrity. Together with Goins, he didn’t just paint our buildings; he created a modern Dunedin legend. The Suntropolitan is proud to archive this history, just as our historical predecessor, The Dunedin Times, would have done a century ago.

A Fragile Legacy

In light of this news, our local orange graffiti feels more precious than ever. The citrus motifs on our storefronts and porches are no longer just public art—they are historic originals.

Preserving them is a matter of urgency. Many readers may not realize how fragile this history is. In 2024, Hurricane Helene brought devastating storm surges to our coastal town. Many historic homes were severely damaged or demolished—and with them, several original Spathelf oranges were lost forever. When a remaining wall is painted over or a building is torn down, a piece of our local heritage is erased.

I hope the owners of these special oranges hold them dear and protect them for future generations.

Then and Now

Below, we look back at the enduring legacy of the Orange Man with photos capturing these iconic murals then, in 2016, and now, in 2026. The oranges that remain are treasures. The one that have been painted over or lost to development and storms are reminders of how fragile public art can be.

There are still plenty of Steven’s original public art pieces to see around our town. Next time you visit Dunedin—while sitting at one of our many restaurants’ outdoor seating areas, or walking along our historic tours—take a moment to spot one. Sit for a moment and think about the special origin story of Steven Spathelf and Marsha Goins.

The City of Dunedin has provided an interactive public art map for you to plan your visit and you can find that map here.

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