News Summary
In St. Petersburg, Florida, two local pastors were arrested while protesting the removal of a mural that celebrates Black history. Rev. Andy Oliver and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman attempted to block FDOT crews from painting over the ‘Black History Matters’ mural, leading to charges of obstruction. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle between community art and state regulations, particularly following the implementation of Senate Bill 1662, which restricts political messages on public transportation facilities.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Two local pastors were arrested on Friday night during a protest against the removal of a mural that promotes Black history. Rev. Andy Oliver, 45, from Allendale United Methodist Church, and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman, 59, from the Unitarian Universalist Church, were taken into custody for obstructing traffic as they attempted to block crews from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) from painting over the “Black History Matters” mural, located in front of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum.
The incident escalated when the pastors learned of FDOT’s intention to remove the mural, which is a significant symbol of the community’s identity and values. During the protest, Pastor Atherton-Zeman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for the mural, while Pastor Oliver reiterated his commitment to resisting evil and injustice, an important principle from his religious vows.
As the pastors sat on the street mural to prevent the crews from proceeding, law enforcement arrived and issued multiple warnings for them to vacate the area. Their refusal to comply with police instructions led to their arrest, with both being charged with obstruction and hindering traffic. After spending part of the night in jail, they were released after posting a $500 bail.
The removal of the “Black History Matters” mural is part of a larger trend in the Tampa Bay area, where various street artworks are being dismantled. This includes other murals such as a crosswalk painting at the University of South Florida and a “Blue Lives Matter” mural in Tampa. The actions coincide with the signing of Senate Bill 1662 into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, which aims to prohibit political messages on transportation facilities. Governor DeSantis made it clear that the state intends to prevent the use of public roads for political expression.
The City of St. Petersburg had previously requested exemptions for multiple murals, including the one in question, but these requests were denied. Mayor Ken Welch acknowledged the need to comply with state regulations to avoid jeopardizing crucial funding for the city. The mayor emphasizes the importance of murals as expressions of the community but also recognizes the need for responsible governance.
Following the incident, it is anticipated that the pastors’ attorney will engage with prosecutors regarding the charges, citing the peaceful nature of the protest and the absence of any harm. Activists plan to hold a follow-up event on Sunday intended to celebrate Black history and pride, featuring chalk art along Central Avenue in St. Petersburg.
Both pastors underscored their commitment to honoring the mural and fostering community unity through nonviolent means of protest, highlighting the ongoing dialogue surrounding art, politics, and history within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Leaders Arrested Over Mural Removal
Pastors Arrested Protesting Mural Removal in St. Petersburg
Protest Erupts Over Mural Removal in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Residents Protest Removal of Street Murals
St. Petersburg, Florida: A Cultural Transformation
Clergy Arrested in St. Petersburg for Mural Protest
Protests Erupt as FDOT Moves to Paint Over Murals in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Men Arrested While Blocking Mural Removal
Protests Erupt in St. Petersburg Over Mural Removal
FDOT Orders Removal of Street Art Murals in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- WSVN
- Fox 13 News
- Florida Politics
- MSN News
- Black Enterprise
- Wikipedia: Black History in the United States
- Google Search: Black History Mural St. Petersburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Black History
- Google News: Black History Mural Removal St. Petersburg
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.
