News Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to paint over the ‘Fluid Structures’ mural at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus has ignited protests among students and activists. The removal, which follows state regulations mandating the elimination of non-standard surface markings, is viewed as an attack on cultural expression. Local students and community leaders have rallied to defend artistic expressions, organizing events to oppose the mural’s destruction and promote solidarity in the face of state directives.
St. Petersburg, Florida – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) painted over the “Fluid Structures” street mural at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus on August 29, 2023. This action has sparked protests among students and local activists who view the removal as an assault on cultural expression.
The “Fluid Structures” mural was created by Jay Giroux, a graphic arts professor at USF St. Petersburg, in collaboration with ten graphic arts students. The mural had been a prominent feature of the campus for two years and was part of the Shine Mural Festival. Following its removal, graduate psychology student Jackson Nash-Sembler criticized the action, labeling it a “senseless destruction of culture.”
The mural’s removal came after the FDOT rejected a request from the City of St. Petersburg to preserve five street murals. In June, a memo from the state mandated that cities must eliminate “non-standard surface markings” to avoid losing state funding. This directive has affected other cities in Florida, with murals being painted over in places such as Daytona Beach and Orlando. One notable instance was the removal of a mural honoring the victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting on August 21.
Students at USF St. Petersburg have actively voiced their opposition to the FDOT’s decision. Notably, criminology major Isabella Rodriguez and biology major Lily McLane described the removal as “backwards thinking.” In response, they and other students chalked their own mural on the St. Petersburg pier, promoting the message “Keep art in the art district.”
Additionally, the cultural uproar reached a boiling point when two local pastors, Rev. Andrew Oliver and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman, were arrested while attempting to prevent the FDOT crews from painting over the “Black History Matters” mural on 9th Avenue South, adjacent to the Woodson African American History Museum. The FDOT arrived on site late on a Friday night, warning the pastors multiple times to disperse before ultimately arresting them for pedestrian obstruction and hindering traffic.
Following their release, the pastors reaffirmed their commitment to opposing the removal of murals, stating that they view their actions as part of their moral and spiritual obligation to combat injustice.
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch has explained that the city’s priority was to avoid potential penalties from the state, and that their response to the FDOT’s directive is intended to be strategic. The order to remove the murals falls under a broader legislative aim initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis, which focuses on maintaining road safety and preventing political messages from appearing on public roadways.
In light of the recent events, activists in St. Petersburg are organizing a “Stand Up St. Pete” event, which is set to include chalk art along Central Avenue to celebrate Black history and pride. This initiative aims to highlight community solidarity and resistance against the removal of artistic expressions.
The situation continues to evolve as more community members engage with the issue, emphasizing a clash between state regulations and local cultural values.
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Clergy Arrested in St. Petersburg for Mural Protest
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St. Petersburg Men Arrested While Blocking Mural Removal
Additional Resources
- Crows Nest St. Pete: Students React to USF St. Petersburg Mural Removal
- Fox 13 News: Men Accused of Blocking Mural Removal
- Florida Politics: Pastors Arrested for Protesting Mural Removal
- WTSP: Church Leaders Arrested at Mural Removal
- Fox 13 News: Governor DeSantis on Street Mural Removals
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.
