News Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation has mandated the removal of five street murals in St. Petersburg by September 4, citing compliance with Senate Bill 1662. The murals include significant community themes like Pride and Black History. City officials argue the murals do not pose safety risks and have requested exemptions, which were denied. Mayor Ken Welch describes the state’s action as politically motivated, stressing the murals’ importance to community identity. Discussions on future street art plans are anticipated in an upcoming city council meeting.
St. Petersburg – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ordered the removal of five street murals in St. Petersburg, with a deadline set for September 4. This decision stems from compliance with Senate Bill 1662, which was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in June, mandating that roadways remain free of political expressions or messages.
FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue stated that the removal of the murals is necessary to ensure transportation facilities remain devoid of ideologies. He expressed concerns regarding safety, particularly about what he termed “non-standard surface markings,” which can potentially create confusion for drivers and other road users.
The murals earmarked for removal include a Pride rainbow mural, a University of South Florida (USF)-themed mural, and a Black History Matters mural situated near the Woodson African American History Museum. These artworks have been recognized not only for their political messages but also for their contributions to the city’s cultural identity.
City officials in St. Petersburg have contended that the murals do not pose a safety risk. Data from a three-year analysis indicated a significant reduction in accidents at one of the mural locations, with a reported 70% decrease. In response to the removal order, Mayor Ken Welch characterized the state’s action as a politically motivated preemption that threatens the community’s identity as portrayed by these murals.
In anticipation of the removal, city officials had submitted a formal request to the FDOT for exemptions concerning the five murals, arguing that safety data justified their continued presence. However, the FDOT rejected all requests for exemptions, maintaining its stance on the need for public safety and adherence to the new legislative parameters.
The FDOT also cautioned that failure to comply with the removal directive could lead to the withholding of state funds allocated to St. Petersburg. This warning has further amplified the urgency and tension surrounding the situation, as city officials weigh the implications of non-compliance with state directives against the community’s desire to maintain its artistic expressions.
In light of the impending mural removals, Mayor Welch announced that the city’s response would be “strategic, not reactionary,” reflecting a commitment to resolve the matter constructively. He emphasized plans to recover community expressions through new installations on public and privately owned properties, despite the challenges posed by the current legislation.
Discussions surrounding future plans for street art in St. Petersburg are slated for the city council meeting in September. However, uncertainty remains about whether these conversations will proceed given the current state of affairs. The city administration aims to find alternative forms of expression that align with community values while adhering to state laws.
As part of efforts to maintain community spirit amid the changes, Mayor Welch has encouraged residents to document the murals by photographing them and sharing those images on social media using specific hashtags. He also urged the community to voice their concerns about the removal peacefully and within legal boundaries.
The FDOT’s decision to order the removal of the murals aligns with similar actions taken in Orlando, where a rainbow crosswalk commemorating victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting was painted over recently. This trend illustrates a broader initiative across Florida concerning public artwork and political expression on roadways, sparking discussions on the intersection of art, community identity, and legislation.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 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
St. Petersburg Faces State Mandate to Remove Street Murals
Southern Grounds Opens New Location in Downtown St. Petersburg
Controversy Erupts Over Street Murals in St. Petersburg
Backlash in St. Petersburg Over Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Google Search: St. Petersburg street art
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Street art
- Florida Politics
- Google News: St. Petersburg murals
- WTSP News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public art
- Florida Phoenix
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.
