News Summary
Two local pastors were arrested in St. Petersburg while protesting the removal of the ‘Black History Matters’ mural. The mural, a symbol of community pride, was ordered to be painted over by the Florida Department of Transportation under a state law. Despite community objections, the city was unable to prevent its removal. Following their arrest, the pastors were released after posting bail. Activists are organizing an event, ‘Stand Up St. Pete,’ to celebrate Black history and keep the mural’s spirit alive.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Two local pastors were arrested on Friday night while protesting the removal of a “Black History Matters” mural on 9th Avenue South. Rev. Andy Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman of the Unitarian Universalist Church staged their demonstration against the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) directive to paint over the mural, which has been a significant symbol of community pride and cultural representation.
The FDOT’s actions are rooted in a state law intended to eliminate artwork deemed unsafe or politically motivated from roadways. As FDOT crews arrived to carry out the removal around 8 p.m., Oliver and Atherton-Zeman occupied the mural site, attempting to obstruct the machinery. Police warned the pastors multiple times to vacate the area before ultimately arresting them for obstructing and hindering traffic.
Following their arrest, both men were booked at the Pinellas County jail on Friday night and released early Saturday morning after posting bail set at $500. Their actions reflect a growing frustration within the community over the removal of public art that honors Black history and culture.
In light of the situation, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch acknowledged the city’s lack of legal authority to prevent the FDOT from removing such murals. Welch emphasized the need for compliance with state laws and underscored the potential risks associated with challenging governmental authority on this issue. He stated that prioritizing city investments over a seemingly symbolic conflict was crucial for responsible governance.
The “Black History Matters” mural is part of a larger tapestry of public art in St. Petersburg, which includes other significant works like the Pride flag mural and the Common Ground mural, the latter of which has been celebrated for reportedly reducing traffic accidents by 70%. The removal of the Black History mural follows Governor Ron DeSantis’s signing of Senate Bill 1662 in June that promotes the clearance of non-standard markings that could distract drivers.
Despite expressing a desire to retain the mural, the city of St. Petersburg’s request to the FDOT was denied. Local leaders and community activists have expressed disappointment, asserting that the mural posed no safety hazards and contributed positively to the city’s cultural landscape. The removal of the mural has sparked further activism within the community.
In response, activists plan to host an event named “Stand Up St. Pete” on Sunday to celebrate Black history and pride. The event will feature chalk art on Central Avenue, aiming to keep the spirit of the mural alive despite its physical removal. Community members are encouraged to participate and express their support through artistic means.
As the debate surrounding public art and its significance continues, the Woodson African American Museum of Florida has also voiced disappointment regarding the mural’s removal. The museum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting and supporting the message of Black history throughout the community, highlighting the importance of acknowledging and celebrating African American heritage.
The actions surrounding the “Black History Matters” mural represent broader themes of civil rights, community expression, and the ongoing struggle for representation within public spaces. As the community grapples with these developments, the significance and message of the mural remain a focal point for advocacy and awareness.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Florida Politics
- Fox 13 News
- WTSP
- MSN News
- Google Search: 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.
