News Summary
A chalk art protest organized by #StandUpStPete against the removal of street murals in St. Petersburg has been rescheduled to Monday at 11 a.m. due to bad weather. This grassroots movement invites locals to express their support through colorful messages on Central Avenue, following the FDOT’s controversial order to remove murals like ‘Black History Matters’ and the LGBTQ+ crosswalk. Attendees are encouraged to wear Pride colors, symbolizing their commitment to preserving community art in the face of state regulations.
St. Petersburg – A chalk art protest against the removal of street murals has been rescheduled to take place on Monday at 11 a.m. due to inclement weather. The grassroots organization #StandUpStPete is organizing the event, encouraging community members to cover sidewalks along Central Avenue with vibrant rainbows and uplifting messages of love and support.
The removals include prominent artworks such as the “Black History Matters” mural by the Woodson Museum and the LGBTQ+ Progressive Pride crosswalk located in the Grand Central District. These murals were ordered to be removed after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) threatened municipalities with the withholding of funds over non-compliant street art.
According to an internal memo from FDOT, murals that convey social, political, or ideological messages have been classified as “non-compliant traffic control devices.” State officials maintain that such markings could distract drivers and jeopardize safety on the roads. However, a 2022 study on asphalt art demonstrated that areas adorned with street art experienced a significant reduction in traffic accidents involving both pedestrians and cyclists, challenging the FDOT’s claims.
The chalk art event will occur near the site of the former Progressive Pride crosswalk, and attendees are encouraged to wear colors associated with Pride. Participants can obtain free chalk at The Wet Spot at Cocktail, a local establishment close to where the murals were removed.
Previously, two local pastors were arrested for obstructing FDOT crews attempting to paint over the mural, facing charges related to their actions. Supporters of the murals argue that these artworks reflect the community’s voice and values, raising concerns about negative impacts on marginalized groups through the removals.
St. Petersburg’s Mayor, Ken Welch, has indicated that the removal of street art detracts from the local identity and communal values. While he expressed a commitment to upholding the values represented by the murals, he stated that the city will not pursue legal action against the state’s directive. Welch vowed to create alternative expressions of community values, noting that the murals were the result of collaborative efforts and transformative initiatives.
Local activists are actively opposing the FDOT’s order, emphasizing the essential visibility of diverse communities through public art projects. Furthermore, city officials in St. Petersburg have compiled safety data asserting that the murals do not pose risks to traffic safety.
The enforcement of the removal is tied to a state law signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, which limits political messaging within public transportation areas. The FDOT has issued a deadline for the removal of the street art, with the final date set for September 4.
As tension continues to rise between state authorities and local communities over the issue of public art and the freedom of expression, the upcoming chalk art protest represents a significant mobilization of support for the preservation of artistic expression within the city.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pastors Arrested During Protest for Black History Mural
Pastors Arrested Protesting Mural Removal in St. Petersburg
Protest Erupts Over Mural Removal in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Residents Protest Removal of Street Murals
Florida Removes Rainbow Crosswalk Memorial for Pulse Victims
Community Outcry as FDOT Denies St. Petersburg Mural Request
Additional Resources
- Patch: Sidewalk Chalk Art Protest Rescheduled
- Google Search: St. Petersburg mural removal
- Florida Politics: St. Pete to Remove Rainbow Road Art
- Google Scholar: Public art traffic safety
- Axios: Protests Planned in Miami Beach
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Art
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.
