The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun removing rainbow-painted LGBTQ+ Pride crosswalks across the state, sparking backlash from local leaders and community members.
What Happened
The city of Delray Beach announced Tuesday that FDOT crews eliminated its Pride Intersection before dawn. The city said it received the order less than 12 hours before the removal, leaving commissioners no chance to respond.
“This immediate action by FDOT did not allow the city commission the opportunity to review the order as an elected government body,” officials wrote in a news release. The city called the intersection a “symbol of inclusion.”
Why It Matters
FDOT cites a June 30 memorandum requiring cities to remove any pavement art tied to “social, political, or ideological messages.” Officials warned that cities failing to comply could lose state funding.
Among the first displays erased last month was a rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, originally created to honor the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
FDOT has also ordered Key West and Delray Beach to paint over their crosswalks by Sept. 3, Axios reported.
Legal Battle
Attorneys for Delray Beach filed a motion to disqualify the presiding officer in the ongoing legal dispute with FDOT, arguing she cannot make “an impartial and unbiased” ruling.
What People Are Saying
-
City of Delray Beach: “FDOT disregarded the City’s good-faith efforts to follow established procedures. While FDOT’s action cannot be undone, Delray Beach remains steadfast in its commitment to unity, respect, and the fundamental human rights that belong to every member of our community.”
-
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), on X in August: “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”
-
FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue, on X in July: “Florida’s proactive efforts to keep transportation facilities free of political ideologies were cemented into law by Gov. DeSantis on June 19 with Senate Bill 1662.”
Leave a Reply