MULBERRY, Fla. — Lee Amos was born and raised in Mulberry, a small Florida town nestled in Polk County.
He absolutely loves his native city.
Amos also loves how he left Mulberry to join the Army and travel the globe.
He loves how he became an officer with the Winter Haven Police Department, opened his own barbershop, and started a nonprofit to help kids just like him realize their world-spanning dreams.
Oh, and Amos is only 28 years old.
His nonprofit, Inspired Ambitious Young Believers, is a mentoring program built to uplift local children, help them both love their town and have the skills and confidence to think beyond it.
"This is a small city, but great things can come from it," says Amos. "With our nonprofit and this mural, we can change the mindset."
"This mural" is a vibrant neon welcome sign in Spence Park asking the question: "Why Not Mulberry?"
Lee partnered with talented Lakeland artist Gabriela Jaxon to send a positive, eye-catching message that greatness can be found anywhere. It's an Instagram-worthy shot of civil pride.
"It's all about opening your mind, being able to imagine something that you desire, that you want," says Jaxon.
"The foundation of success in every aspect of life is believing in yourself," says Amos. "We want to inspire people with dreams and passions."
For more information on Inspired Ambitious Young Believers, click here.
To see more of Gabriela Jaxon's work, visit her website.
