News Summary
Cities in Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Key West, and Delray Beach, are standing against a state directive to remove rainbow crosswalks and LGBTQ+ art, citing infringement on artistic expression. Fort Lauderdale’s city commission voted to appeal the order, emphasizing the importance of these symbols for the community. The Florida Department of Transportation argues that such designs pose safety risks, but many view this as an attack on free expression and LGBTQ+ rights. Protests and legal actions are underway as the September compliance deadline approaches.
Florida cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Key West, and Delray Beach, are pushing back against a state directive to remove rainbow-colored crosswalks and other LGBTQ+ street art. The mandate from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) requires compliance by September 4 and cites safety concerns as the reason for the removal. However, many cities view this directive as an infringement on artistic expression pertinent to their communities.
On Wednesday night, Fort Lauderdale’s city commission unanimously voted to pursue an administrative appeal against the FDOT’s order. This decision emphasizes the city’s commitment to maintaining its rainbow crosswalks, which are considered vital symbols of inclusivity for both residents and tourists. The FDOT issued a memo on June 30 prohibiting all “pavement or surface art,” arguing that such designs do not contribute to traffic control or public safety.
Despite Fort Lauderdale’s resistance, other cities have complied with the state’s removal demands due to threats of withheld transportation funding. However, the pushback from Fort Lauderdale, along with potential legal actions, suggests a broader fight against perceived state overreach. The advocacy group Equality Florida has accused the state of extortion related to funding, labeling the removals as a “cowardly abuse of power.”
The issue gained significant national attention following the removal of a rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, which was located outside the Pulse Nightclub, the site of a tragic mass shooting in 2016. Orlando’s mayor condemned the removal of the crosswalk, framing it as a “cruel political act” amidst ongoing concerns regarding LGBTQ+ rights in Florida.
FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue defended the removal policy, stating it aligns with compliance requirements tied to new legislation signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. According to the governor, the initiative is designed to limit political expression within public rights-of-way to ensure clear and safe transportation facilities. This stance has met with substantial backlash, particularly from lawmakers who argue that it constitutes a direct attack on LGBTQ+ rights and free speech.
In Fort Lauderdale, the state has specifically called for the removal of four areas of colored pavement, including a Progress Pride flag design. Protests have erupted in the city, with public commentary reflecting strong opposition to state mandates. As part of their legal strategy, Fort Lauderdale has engaged the law firm Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman for representation in potential legal disputes regarding the removal order.
Key West and Delray Beach are also taking legal steps; Key West is scheduled for an informal hearing with the FDOT on September 3, directly before its compliance deadline, while Delray Beach is currently navigating an administrative hearing pertaining to the removal requests. Miami Beach is considering its appeal against the directive, also facing the September 4 deadline.
Across the state, other cities such as Sarasota, Gainesville, and Tampa are grappling with similar demands to remove LGBTQ+-themed artwork and decorative crosswalks. As local governments weigh their options, recent legal discussions have increasingly focused on First Amendment rights, particularly concerning freedom of expression related to the crosswalks.
The FDOT’s policy has drawn criticism for targeting artistic expressions linked to social messages beyond just LGBTQ+ themes, sparking a wider debate about the role of local governments in expressing community values. Legislators opposing the FDOT’s actions assert that this move undermines local autonomy and cultural representation, heightening concerns over the implications for free speech and minority rights in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CNN: Fort Lauderdale Rainbow Crosswalk Removal
- Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in Florida
- The Art Newspaper: Florida’s Rainbow Crosswalks Removal
- Google Search: Florida rainbow crosswalks removal
- The Guardian: Florida Crosswalks and LGBTQ+ Rights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ+ Rights
- Forbes: Florida’s Rainbow Crosswalks Targeted
- Google News: Florida LGBTQ crosswalks
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.
