Florida Cities Remove LGBTQ+ Rainbow Crosswalks Under State, Federal Orders

Several Florida cities, including West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach, are removing rainbow crosswalks and street art that honor the LGBTQ+ community following directives from federal and state transportation authorities. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have cited concerns that such non-standard road markings pose safety risks by distracting drivers, threatening both pedestrian and driver safety. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law prohibiting non-standard surface markings that do not directly contribute to traffic safety, which has led to the removal of rainbow intersections despite no evidence linking them to increased traffic incidents. Community members and local officials criticize these actions as erasing meaningful symbols of identity and inclusion, particularly honoring victims of tragedies such as the Pulse nightclub shooting. West Palm Beach plans to relocate and redesign a monument to the LGBTQ+ community in Serenity Park as a response to the removal of its rainbow crosswalk, emphasizing continued support despite compliance with FDOT mandates. Critics argue these measures reflect political motivations that undermine community expression and threaten critical funding for local road safety projects.