Miami Beach Commissioner Laura Dominguez is criticizing state officials over their decision to remove the city's LGBTQ Pride crosswalk on Ocean Drive, blasting it in part as an attack on free speech and local governance.
Dominguez says she plans to introduce a proposal at the next city commission meeting on Aug. 28 to redesignate the crosswalk on Ocean Drive with the rainbow colors, a popular symbol of the LGBTQ movement.
“The rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive has long been more than just paint on the pavement — it’s a powerful symbol of Miami Beach’s inclusivity, freedom and pride,” Dominguez said in a statement. “I am deeply disappointed by the state’s directive — stifling both free speech and local governance by requiring the removal of our public art.”
Dominquez's grievance comes after Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) officials issued a letter ordering Florida cities, including Miami Beach, to remove pavement service markings in compliance with state traffic control standards.
FDOT officials also warned that failure to comply with the new standards could result in a loss of transportation funding or direct removal of traffic control devices and surface markings, including pavement art designs.
"Florida’s proactive efforts to ensure we keep our transportation facilities free & clear of political ideologies were cemented into law by @GovRonDeSantis on June 19 w/ the signing of Senate Bill 1662 & reemphasized in FDOT’s attached memo," Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue said.
Perdue was referring to an announcement made by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who ordered the removal of political messages or artwork from U.S. intersections and crosswalks in a letter in June.
In addition to Miami Beach, Perdue also sent a letter to the City of Delray Beach over its pride mural intersection a few days ago. A similar ordinance was sent to Key West, while the City of West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach have already complied with the order.
Florida cities are required to remove any pavement markings by Sept. 3.
