News Summary
In St. Petersburg, Florida, two pastors were arrested for obstructing the removal of the ‘Black History Matters’ mural by the FDOT. This action is part of a state policy aimed at eliminating non-standard street markings, sparking community protests and debates over cultural representation and identity. The mural, created to honor Black history, has become a symbol of resistance against perceived attempts to suppress community values.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Two pastors were arrested on Friday night for obstructing workers from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) who were ordered to paint over the “Black History Matters” mural. The removal is part of a larger FDOT policy aimed at eliminating street art that is considered non-standard surface markings, which officials claim could distract drivers and pedestrians as well as automated driving systems.
Rev. Andy Oliver, 45, and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman, 59, were taken into custody outside The Woodson African American Museum of Florida in the Jordan Park neighborhood. They were charged with pedestrian obstructing or hindering traffic and obstruction after they refused police orders to leave the mural site. Their mugshots have since spread across social media, with one of the pastors noting humorously that while the photo was not his favorite, it captured the moment.
The “Black History Matters” mural was created by local artists to document symbols of dissent stemming from high-profile deaths of Black individuals. The artists aimed to celebrate and preserve Black history, creating a significant cultural landmark for the community. The removal of this mural has sparked considerable backlash from local residents and activist groups who view it as an effort to suppress community identity and values.
In addition to the “Black History Matters” mural, other murals targeted for removal include a rainbow crosswalk dedicated to victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. The measures taken by the FDOT followed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of Senate Bill 1662, which requires the removal of roadway artwork across the state to maintain transportation facilities free of political messages.
St. Petersburg’s Mayor Ken Welch expressed that the city will not contest the FDOT’s orders, largely due to the risk of losing state funding for local projects. This has led to frustration among community leaders and citizens who are advocating for the preservation of these important cultural markers.
The protests sparked by the mural removals have gained momentum, with various activist groups organizing events like “Stand Up St. Pete,” scheduled to include chalk art as a form of peaceful demonstration against the removals. Community members are rallying around the message of preserving mural art, highlighting its importance in representing local culture and history.
Following their arrest, the pastors called upon the public to engage in justice work and to support the Woodson Museum, stressing the importance of keeping Black history alive in the community. Their actions have garnered praise from museum leadership, with expressions of gratitude for their civil disobedience in the face of state orders.
The ongoing debate surrounding the removal of street art in St. Petersburg reflects broader tensions about political expression in public spaces and the importance of cultural representation. Opponents of the FDOT’s policy argue that such actions are detrimental to community identity and resistance against systemic issues, framing the fight over these murals as vital to preserving a narrative that recognizes and honors the experiences of marginalized groups.
As community members prepare for upcoming protests and remain vocal about their opposition to the removal of the murals, the situation highlights the intersection of art, politics, and social justice in St. Petersburg. The fate of the “Black History Matters” mural and others like it has now become a focal point for discussions about identity, history, and the role of public art in society.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Protests Removal of Cultural Murals
Tampa Bay Communities Protest Street Art Removals
Pastors Arrested for Protesting Removal of ‘Black History Matters’ Mural
Labor Day Protest Planned in St. Petersburg Over Mural Removals
Protests Erupt Over Removal of Street Mural in St. Petersburg
Chalk Art Protest Rescheduled in St. Petersburg
Pastors Arrested During Protest for Black History Mural
St. Petersburg Leaders Arrested Over Mural Removal
Pastors Arrested Protesting Mural Removal in St. Petersburg
Protest Erupts Over Mural Removal in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Public Art
- Patch.com
- Google Search: Black History Matters mural
- WFLA News
- Google Scholar: street art political expression
- Florida Politics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Street Art
- WTSP News
- Google News: Florida mural removal
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.
