News Summary

In St. Petersburg, two clergy members were arrested while protesting the removal of a ‘Black History Matters’ mural mandated by the Florida Department of Transportation. The FDOT argues that such murals create distractions for drivers, threatening municipalities with funding loss if they do not comply by September 4. Activists believe the mural is vital to the local community’s identity. Research indicates that street art may actually enhance safety, sparking further debate between artistic expression and state regulations.

St. Petersburg

Two clergy members were arrested in St. Petersburg for protesting the removal of a “Black History Matters” mural, as the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) mandates that municipalities eliminate colorful street artwork by a September 4 deadline. The FDOT claims that such art creates distractions for drivers and raises safety concerns.

Andrew Oliver and Benedict Atherton-Zeman obstructed FDOT crews attempting to remove the mural by physically sitting on it. Both individuals were charged with obstructing traffic. They believe the mural represents the communities they serve and symbolize the local identity and values.

Despite FDOT’s claims of increased safety risks posed by brightly colored street markings, research suggests otherwise. Studies indicate that intersections adorned with street art, like the “Black History Matters” mural outside the Woodson African American Museum in St. Petersburg, have seen a decrease in crash rates. For instance, Bloomberg Philanthropies reported a 17.3% reduction in crashes at intersections featuring murals. Furthermore, the Downtown St. Petersburg Mobility Study highlighted a notable 73% decrease in crashes at the rainbow crosswalk located at Central Avenue and 5th Street since its inception in 2016.

The FDOT’s order is firm, threatening municipalities with the loss of millions in state funding if they do not comply with the removal mandate. This directive arises from Senate Bill 1662, which enforces the removal of murals that the FDOT views as violating traffic control guidelines. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reinforced this stance by stating that roads should prioritize safety, not serve as platforms for political messages or artwork.

In addition to St. Petersburg, cities like Tampa are also facing similar challenges. A total of 47 murals in Tampa, including a “Back the Blue” mural, are required to be removed under the same FDOT directive. Activists in St. Petersburg are actively gathering to protest these removals, advocating for the preservation of cultural and historical artworks that they believe enhance the community’s identity.

In recent weeks, the removal of such murals has been observed in other Florida cities as well. In Orlando, a rainbow crosswalk honoring victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting was painted over seemingly overnight, sparking outrage among residents who viewed the action as an affront to community values.

Jenée Priebe, the founder of No Good Deeds Art, emphasized that research indicates pavement art does not compromise safety; rather, it can enhance it for pedestrians and cyclists. This sentiment is echoed by local leaders who worry that the state’s actions undermine local traditions and values. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch voiced concerns over state and federal politicians overriding local decisions regarding community expression through art.

The situation in St. Petersburg highlights a broader conflict between local governments and state mandates, particularly regarding the value and role of public art in enhancing community identity. As the September 4 deadline approaches, the tension between those advocating for artistic expression and the state’s regulatory actions is expected to escalate further.

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HERE Resources

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FDOT Orders Removal of Street Art Murals in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg Mayor Fights FDOT’s Mural Removal Order
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St. Petersburg Will Not Challenge Florida’s Mural Ban
FDOT Orders Removal of Pride and Black History Murals

Additional Resources

• Fox 13 News: Men Accused of Blocking FDOT Crews
• WTSP: Men Arrested for Blocking Street Murals
• WFLA: 2 Men Arrested for Blocking Street Mural
• Wikipedia: Street Art
• Patch: Religious Leaders Arrested for Blocking Mural Removal

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.