Ongoing debates following the Florida Department of Transportation’s order to remove colorful, nonstandard crosswalks have sparked in South Florida cities and made their way to Miami-Dade County. There has been significant discussion on the topic with people on both sides speaking out about the safety hazards and discrimination issues relating to the order.
Following the FDOT’s controversial order, these public art displays are disappearing from city streets. Surrounding cities like Fort Lauderdale, Coral Gables and Key West, at risk of losing crucial state and federal transportation funds, have also been ordered by the FDOT to remove non-standard crosswalk design funds.
“I like that they created this rule because I feel like there is no reason that people will have a strong opinion on something and have to put it on public property that we all need to use,” Miami Palmetto Senior High senior Max Aguilar said.
Ocean Drive’s entertainment district was home to various colorful crosswalks along with street art decorating the surrounding area until about two months after Florida officials ordered the removal of all street art throughout the state. The popular rainbow crosswalk on Ocean Drive and 12th Street became a well-known landmark celebrating LGBTQ+ pride and Miami’s inclusive environment. The crosswalk design was there until October before being removed. Many viewed this as the DeSantis Administration’s attack against the LGBTQ+ community.
“In today’s political climate, it’s obviously a horribly disguised attack against the LGBTQ community. With constant news of legislation being put through Congress against LGBTQ rights, a desire to discriminate against what little rights they have to protect them from the right-winged party, Republicans, the current political majority in Florida and an overwhelming inclusion of religion taking precedence over citizens in federal laws currently being passed, all of this has shown and will show even more to harm the LGBTQ community and those within it,” junior Gabriela Gomila said.
A similar situation occurred when a crosswalk in Coral Gables, Fla., designed by Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez, was painted over without a fight and went almost unnoticed after FDOT ruled it noncompliant.
“I don’t think it matters what design is made; they can be very distracting, especially to drivers,” Aguilar said.
In Coral Gables, the crosswalk was an art installation commissioned through the city’s Art in Public Places Program, titled Induction Cromatique. The $180,000 cost of the piece sparked frustration among many residents.
“I think it’s a little crazy that people care so much to keep it around. If they don’t care to maintain it, it really shouldn’t affect people if it’s painted over,” junior Nicolas Karageorgos said.
Many residents have shown frustration and argue that these removals represent a stand against something greater than aesthetic. The removal of these crosswalks has sparked conversations about safety, design and community expression. The debate highlights differing perspectives between state regulations and local preferences.