Florida removes rainbow crosswalk in Miami Beach after legal appeal fails
- Crews from the Florida Department of Transportation began removing the rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive after the city lost its appeal.
- This removal aligns with a state law mandating the elimination of rainbow-painted sidewalks due to safety concerns.
- The decision has sparked criticism as it is seen as an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and its visibility in Florida.
In the United States, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) commenced the removal of the rainbow crosswalk located on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. This action took place shortly after Miami Beach officials were informed that their appeal to retain the artwork was unsuccessful. The crosswalk, which celebrated the LGBTQ+ community, was removed as part of a statewide directive that emerged following the passage of a law mandating the elimination of rainbow-painted sidewalks due to safety concerns. The state identified approximately 400 potential locations across Florida where rainbow crosswalks and similar street art posed distractions or risked safety. The FDOT, operating under Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, instructed cities, including Miami Beach, to eliminate these artworks by early September or risk losing critical state transportation funding. Upon the removal, the intersection was quickly paved over with asphalt. City officials, however, salvaged the colorful pavers for future use. The Miami Beach crosswalk, installed in 2018 and designed by Savino & Miller Design Studio, had become a symbol of inclusion. It featured multicolor terrazzo pavers arranged in an Art Deco pattern, significant to the cultural heritage of Miami Beach. Commissioner Alex Fernandez highlighted the importance of the crosswalk, which represented decades of struggle and acceptance in the LGBTQ+ community. The removal has been viewed critically by advocates, interpreting it as part of broader legislative measures that aim to curtail LGBTQ+ rights, including restrictions on gender-affirming care. In contrast, some Florida cities, such as Orlando, have countered the state’s directives by reinstating their Pride crosswalks and street art. Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the removal of these artworks by stating that they have strayed from their intended purpose, which is for traffic safety. The removal of the rainbow crosswalk has ignited discussions about the state’s role in artistic expression and its implications for the LGBTQ+ community's visibility and rights in Florida.