News Summary
Two church leaders in St. Petersburg, Florida, were arrested during an attempt to prevent the removal of a ‘Black History Matters’ mural. Rev. Andrew Oliver and Benedict Atherton-Zeman obstructed Florida Department of Transportation crews tasked with painting over the mural. They now face charges related to pedestrian obstruction and obstruction of justice. The incident has sparked significant debate over public art and its role in community identity, amid state safety regulations that target various murals. Local leaders express concern about the implications for community artworks.
St. Petersburg Leaders Arrested Over Mural Removal
Two church leaders in St. Petersburg, Florida, were arrested on Friday night while attempting to prevent the removal of a “Black History Matters” mural. Rev. Andrew “Andy” Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church and Benedict Atherton-Zeman of the Unitarian Universalist Church of St. Petersburg faced charges after they obstructed Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews who were ordered to paint over the mural.
The incident occurred shortly after FDOT crews arrived at the location at 8 p.m. to comply with a state directive citing safety concerns. Rev. Oliver and Atherton-Zeman positioned themselves on the mural at 8:15 p.m. in an act of civil disobedience against the state’s order. Despite repeated requests from law enforcement to vacate the area, both leaders refused to move forward and were subsequently taken into custody.
After spending the night in jail, they were released on Saturday morning after posting a $500 bail each. They now face charges related to pedestrian obstruction and obstruction of justice, bringing attention to the ongoing debate over public art and its implications for community identity and safety.
Safety Concerns Cited by FDOT
The FDOT has maintained that the removal of the mural was necessary due to compliance with state guidelines, which they argue are in place to ensure safety on roadways. The agency has indicated that street markings with social or political messages pose risks and do not effectively contribute to traffic control.
Overall, the state’s directive has broad implications for various murals located throughout St. Petersburg and beyond, impacting not only the “Black History Matters” mural but also other community artworks, including those representing LGBTQ+ rights and other social causes.
Community Reactions and Historical Context
Following the removal, the Woodson African American Museum expressed its disappointment with the situation but emphasized its commitment to supporting African American art and history moving forward. This incident highlights a larger trend of mural removals that activists argue unfairly target communities represented by these artworks, further igniting discussions around historical representation and activism in public spaces.
Local leaders, including St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch, have recognized the limitations facing the city when addressing state mandates. The mayor emphasized the need for citizens to follow the law, indicating that the city could risk losing funding if it fails to adhere to state directives regarding public artwork.
Research on Murals and Traffic Safety
Despite the FDOT’s concerns about safety, several studies, including the 2022 Asphalt Art Safety Study, contradict the agency’s claims. Research has shown that areas featuring street art often experience a significant decrease in traffic accidents, suggesting that such public art may enhance community engagement and safety rather than detract from it.
As this situation unfolds, it is clear that the intersection of public art, community identity, and state regulations continues to provoke passionate responses from various stakeholders within St. Petersburg and beyond. The actions of Rev. Oliver and Atherton-Zeman not only spotlight ongoing tensions related to public expression and representation but also reinforce the notion that issues of equity and voice remain critical in today’s societal and political landscapes.
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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.
