FDOT Orders Removal of Pride and Black History Murals

News Summary

The Florida Department of Transportation has mandated the removal of five murals in St. Petersburg celebrating Gay Pride and Black history, citing traffic safety laws. Mayor Ken Welch and local officials have expressed strong opposition, citing the murals’ positive impact on community culture and traffic safety. The situation raises significant questions about local governance and state authority as the September 4 deadline approaches.

St. Petersburg, Florida – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has ordered the removal of five murals in St. Petersburg that celebrate Gay Pride and Black history, citing newly enacted state laws aimed at enhancing traffic safety. This action has prompted strong responses from local officials, including a commitment from Mayor Ken Welch to uphold community values despite the loss of these artworks.

The directive to remove the murals comes in the wake of a law signed in June that updates the FDOT’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. This law prohibits “non-uniform traffic control devices” which include the precautionary murals painted on city streets. Under this directive, state officials assert that such visuals can serve as distractions to drivers, thereby posing safety risks for pedestrians and motorists alike.

St. Petersburg faces considerable pressure to comply with the state order. Failure to remove the murals could jeopardize state transportation funding, a critical source of financial support for the city’s infrastructure projects. FDOT representatives have indicated that if the murals are not removed by the September 4 deadline, the department would proceed with their removal and subsequently bill the city for the incurred costs.

The five murals specifically targeted for removal are as follows:

• Common Ground mural at Fifth Street and Central Ave.
• Black History Matters mural at 9th Avenue and 22nd Lane South.
• Fluid Structures mural at 6th Avenue South and 2nd Street South.
• Crossway Crux mural at 11th Avenue and 46th Street South.
• Another unlisted mural promoting themes of diversity and inclusion.

Local officials have defended the murals, highlighting their positive impact. For example, Mayor Welch noted that the Common Ground mural played a role in achieving a 70% reduction in traffic accidents at its location before the state’s decision to intervene. In contrast, FDOT’s position underscores that the painted crosswalks can confuse drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Mayor Welch has criticized the state’s decision, characterizing it as an attempt to “usurp local values” and suppress the city’s cultural expression. This sentiment was echoed by City Council member Copley Gerdes, who remarked on the difference in decision-making approaches between local governance, which relies heavily on data analysis, and state directives.

Despite the impending removal, Mayor Welch assures residents that the essence of these artworks will continue to thrive in other formats. Future projects may include new murals on city-owned or privately owned properties to capture the spirit of the community’s identity. Welch has also encouraged community members to visit and photograph the murals as a form of protest and to commemorate them before they are removed.

The situation in St. Petersburg mirrors that of other Florida cities, such as Key West, where local officials have contested similar FDOT removal orders by requesting administrative hearings. The wider implications of the mural removal extend beyond the artwork itself, raising questions about local governance and the autonomy of cities in Florida, particularly in dealings with state authorities. Welch lamented the ongoing pressures faced by local leaders, citing threats to remove officials as a means of controlling local governance and limiting local policy-making.

As the city prepares to navigate this controversial mandate, the removal of these murals presents a significant moment for St. Petersburg’s cultural landscape, with leaders committed to finding new ways to express the vibrant and diverse narrative of their community.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

FDOT Denies Preservation of St. Petersburg Street Art Murals
St. Petersburg to Remove Painted Crosswalks Amid FDOT Decision
St. Petersburg to Remove Public Art After FDOT Denial
Community Outcry as FDOT Denies St. Petersburg Mural Request
St. Petersburg Faces State Mandate to Remove Street Murals
Southern Grounds Opens New Location in Downtown St. Petersburg
Controversy Erupts Over Street Murals in St. Petersburg
Backlash in St. Petersburg Over Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks
Residents Rally Against State Order to Remove Murals in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg City Council Under Pressure Over Murals

Additional Resources

• Fox 13 News: St. Pete Officials React to FDOT Decision
• Wikipedia: St. Petersburg, Florida
• St. Pete Catalyst: Street Art Removals
• Google Search: Saint Petersburg Florida murals
• Fox 13 News: FDOT Denies St. Pete’s Request
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
• Florida Phoenix: St. Pete Mayor’s Comments
• Google News: FDOT St Petersburg murals
• WTSP: St. Pete Street Art Mural Removal
• Google Scholar: St Petersburg Florida art

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.