News Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation has mandated the removal of street art murals and specific crosswalks in St. Petersburg by September 4, 2023. This action follows the signing of Florida Senate Bill 1662 into law by Governor Ron DeSantis. Mayor Ken Welch has expressed concerns about the impact on cultural expression, especially regarding murals that symbolize social justice and community identity. The FDOT cites safety concerns related to traffic control devices as the reason for this removal. Community backlash and discussions about the future of public art are anticipated.
St. Petersburg – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ordered the removal of street art murals and crosswalks in St. Petersburg, with a deadline set for September 4, 2023. This directive follows the enactment of Florida Senate Bill 1662, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in June 2023. The new law prohibits street art on lanes, shoulders, crosswalks, intersections, and sidewalks, mandating compliance from local governments.
Mayor Ken Welch addressed the media regarding this decision on Monday, emphasizing the implications of this order for the city and its cultural expression. The affected murals include works that celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and the prominent “Black History Matters” mural located near the Woodson African American Museum. The removal of these artworks has stirred significant opposition among residents and local advocates.
The FDOT’s decision to deny the city’s request to retain five specific street murals comes with the threat of withholding state funding if the order is not followed. The murals targeted for removal include:
- Black History Matters mural at 9th Avenue and 22nd Lane South
- Common Ground (colored prism) mural at Central Avenue and 5th Street North
- Fluid Structures mural at 6th Avenue and 2nd Street South (USF campus)
- Crossway Crux mural at 11th Avenue and 46th Street South (Childs Park)
In addressing the situation, Mayor Welch highlighted a previous three-year analysis conducted by the city, which indicated a 70% decrease in traffic accidents at a location where a mural was installed. He stated that the removal of the art will not erase the city’s values and that alternative public art expressions will be pursued in the future.
FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue cited safety concerns as the reason for the removal, noting that the murals interfere with traffic control devices, which are crucial for ensuring road safety. Mayor Welch acknowledged that challenging the state’s decision in court could expose the city to significant financial risks regarding state transportation funding.
The community’s response to the FDOT’s order has been largely negative, with many residents voicing their discontent over the removal of murals that symbolize social justice and community identity. Mayor Welch has encouraged residents to document the murals and share images as a form of protest, though he also urged respect for the law and advised against illegal demonstrations.
In light of the recent developments, discussions among city officials regarding the future of street art and creative expressions are anticipated in an upcoming City Council meeting scheduled for September. Mayor Welch reiterated that this situation reflects state overreach into local values and priorities.
The situation continues to evolve as St. Petersburg residents and city officials navigate the implications of this mandate while seeking ways to celebrate community identity and artistic expression in alternative formats, particularly on private and city-owned properties.
The removal of street art murals not only affects the aesthetic landscape of St. Petersburg but also raises broader questions about local governance, artistic freedom, and community representation in public spaces.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Traffic Disruptions on Gandy Boulevard Following Multiple Crashes
St. Petersburg Mayor Fights FDOT’s Mural Removal Order
FDOT Orders Removal of Street Murals in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Will Not Challenge Florida’s Mural Ban
FDOT Orders Removal of Pride and Black History Murals
FDOT Denies Preservation of St. Petersburg Street Art Murals
St. Petersburg Woman Arrested in Hot Dog Costume
St. Petersburg to Remove Painted Crosswalks Amid FDOT Decision
St. Petersburg to Remove Public Art After FDOT Denial
Community Outcry as FDOT Denies St. Petersburg Mural Request
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Fox 13 News
- WTSP News
- Florida Politics
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
- Google Search: St. Petersburg FL street art removal
- Google Scholar: St Petersburg murals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: St Petersburg, Florida
- Google News: St. Petersburg murals
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
