Rep. Fabian Basabe (R-Miami Beach) responded in a lengthy exchange to The Floridan regarding a recent state directive to remove Miami Beach's LGBTQ rainbow crosswalk located on Ocean Drive.
Rep. Basabe, while cognizant of the LGBTQ community's concern regarding the removal, broadened the scope of the issue as a larger problem with the city's lack of inclusivity in other areas, including matters affecting the gay community.
"A symbol can be meaningful, yet true inclusivity is about action and accountability," Basabe said. "Miami Beach politicians and activists love to market inclusivity, but the reality is very different."
"This city is one of the most exclusive in America. Exclusive in who can afford to live here, who gets vouchers to stay in their homes, who gets rent breaks on city property, and who gets contracts and access through political connections," Basabe continued. "That is not inclusivity. That is a system built to serve insiders while pushing residents out."
According to a report, Miami Beach's overall cost of living is 39% higher than the national average. Housing expenses are also a whopping 140% higher than the national average.
"If inclusivity matters, it must begin with making it possible to live here. Rising rents, overdevelopment, and projects approved without addressing traffic, flooding, or infrastructure are driving residents and small businesses away," Basabe said. "A rainbow crosswalk does not make life affordable, keep seniors in their homes, or save neighborhood shops."
Along with affordability, Basabe contended that a bigger concern for the LGBTQ community should be around public safety. According to FBI data from 2022, Miami Beach had a property crime rate of 8,557 incidents per 100,000 people.
In contrast, Florida's property crime rate is around 1566 incidents per 100,000 people. Property crime includes theft, burglary, arson, and vandalism.
"Nearly half of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. They do not need painted streets. They need housing, services, and safety," Basabe said. "Residents know crime is rising, even as press releases claim otherwise. Inclusivity means addressing these realities, not covering them with colors."
"The truth is that the crosswalk debate is performative politics. Instead of working on affordability, safety, and accountability, Miami Beach leaders have chosen another staged distraction," Basabe added.
The overall issue follows a plan by Miami Beach Commissioner Laura Dominguez to redesignate the crosswalk on Ocean Drive, a popular area of Miami Beach. Dominquez called the removal plan a stifling of "free speech and local governance" by removing the artwork.
Basabe said the artwork can still be honored, but moved to another location.
"Pride Park was built with $9.5 million in taxpayer dollars and was designed for art, culture, and community expression," Basabe said. "That is the appropriate place for installations like this, not the middle of an active roadway."
Moreover, Basabe alluded that the issue was more about political posturing than the matter at hand. A Republican, Basabe is facing a challenge next year from Democratic candidate Lucia Baez-Geller in House District 106, although he did not imply her in this exchange.
"This is not about safety or inclusivity. It is about pandering to secure LGBTQ votes for the next election," Basbe said. "My concern is for LGBTQ people to understand that their voices matter, but not to be misled by paid activists and consultant-driven narratives that divide the community instead of strengthening it. I represent every resident, and I want every voice to be heard with respect."
Basabe won reelection in HD 106 over Democrat Joe Saunders by four points in 2024. The 47-year-old was first elected in the district after defeating Democrat Jordan Leonard by less than a half percent in 2022.
"Symbols can unite us, but only if they are backed by substance," Basabe said. "True inclusivity means every child has a fair chance in school, every senior can live with dignity, every family can afford to stay, every business has the chance to thrive, and every individual can feel safe. That is the work I am committed to doing. The time for empty gestures is over."
