Florida DOT Removes Miami Beach Rainbow Crosswalk Amid LGBTQ+ Community Outcry

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has removed the iconic rainbow crosswalk in Miami Beach, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and resilience, sparking widespread dismay among local officials and community members. The removal was executed without prior notice and followed a statewide directive prohibiting road art with social or ideological messages, citing safety and regulatory compliance concerns. Miami Beach officials lost their appeal to keep the crosswalk, with the FDOT emphasizing the need for consistent traffic markings, while local leaders like Commissioner Alex Fernandez criticized the decision as a heartbreaking erasure of hard-won LGBTQ+ progress. The crosswalk's removal has been described as an abuse of power by residents and performers who highlighted its cultural and historical significance. Despite the setback, Miami Beach officials plan to explore alternative ways to celebrate inclusivity within state regulations, and the LGBTQ+ community remains resilient in the face of these changes. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions between state roadway safety standards and local efforts to express community identity and diversity.