Florida Orders Multiple Cities to Remove Rainbow Crosswalks by September

Florida transportation officials, under Governor Ron DeSantis, have ordered several cities including Miami Beach, Key West, and Delray Beach to remove their rainbow-colored LGBTQ Pride crosswalks, citing a new state law banning street art on roadways. The Florida Department of Transportation has warned that noncompliance by the September 3 deadline may result in the state forcibly removing the markings and withholding transportation funding. City leaders and officials, including Miami Beach Commissioners Joseph Magazine and Alex Fernandez, have criticized the orders as censorship and an erasure of symbols representing love, visibility, and equality, while maintaining the safety and approval of these crosswalks. Some cities like Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, which also have rainbow crosswalks, have not yet faced removal orders but are expected to be targeted soon. Critics argue there are legal protections for street art serving functional or safety purposes, and some officials vow to contest the state's actions. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions between local governments and state authorities over LGBTQ representation and political expression in public spaces.