Florida cracks down on rainbow crosswalks as DeSantis enforces safety over political messaging – NaturalNews.com

• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis orders removal of all rainbow pride crosswalks from public roads, citing safety and improper use of taxpayer funds for political messaging.
• Cities like Miami Beach, Tallahassee, and Orlando must comply by early September or face state intervention and potential funding cuts.
• FDOT bans all “surface art” on crosswalks carrying social, political, or ideological messages, emphasizing roadways must remain distraction-free for safety.
• Local officials and LGBTQ+ advocates condemn the move, calling the crosswalks symbols of inclusivity, while DeSantis insists public roads should stay neutral.
• The policy aligns with federal guidelines and reflects a broader debate over politicized infrastructure, with some cities resisting while others comply.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered the removal of rainbow pride crosswalks from public roads and facilities across the state, citing safety concerns and the improper use of taxpayer-funded infrastructure for political messaging. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued deadlines to multiple cities, including Miami Beach, Tallahassee, and Orlando, demanding compliance by early September; those who fail to comply face state intervention.

The move has sparked backlash from local officials and LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue the crosswalks symbolize inclusivity. But DeSantis remains firm: public roads should not be used for ideological statements, regardless of the cause.

Safety first

FDOT’s decision stems from a June memo prohibiting “surface art” on crosswalks, sidewalks, and roadways if it carries “social, political, or ideological messages.” The agency stated that roadways must remain “consistent” and free from distractions that could confuse drivers or pedestrians.

“FDOT has a duty to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems,” the agency said in a statement. “That means ensuring our roadways are not utilized for social, political, or ideological interests.”

This policy isn’t just targeting rainbow crosswalks; other artistic designs in cities like Tallahassee are also being removed. FDOT warned that if cities refuse to comply, the state will remove the crosswalks itself and withhold funding.

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava condemned the decision, calling the crosswalks “symbols of love, support, and unity.”

“I am outraged by the State of Florida’s decision to forcefully remove Pride crosswalks—symbols of love, support, and unity in our communities,” she said. “These vibrant installations are more than paint on pavement. They reflect the values we hold dear in Miami-Dade: respect, appreciation of fellow neighbors, and the fundamental right to live and love openly.”

A broader crackdown on politicized infrastructure

FDOT’s directive aligns with a Trump-era federal order requiring crosswalks to remain free of distractions, including political or artistic designs. While some cities, like Miami Beach, plan to appeal, others have already seen their crosswalks painted over, including the one outside Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, which honored victims of the 2016 mass shooting.

Florida State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith criticized the removal, calling it “extremely disheartening.” But DeSantis stood by the decision, reiterating on social media: “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”

The real issue is safety

Beyond the political debate, FDOT’s concern is practical. Crosswalks are meant to be universally recognizable for safety. If drivers or pedestrians don’t immediately identify a rainbow-painted crosswalk as a pedestrian crossing, accidents could occur. The same logic applies to other artistic designs. Consistency in road markings saves lives.

Some cities, like Delray Beach and Key West, are resisting, but the state’s stance is clear: public infrastructure should serve the public, not political movements.

A fight over more than just paint

This battle reflects a larger cultural clash over how public spaces are used. Progressives argue that rainbow crosswalks promote acceptance, while conservatives counter that roads should remain neutral, especially when taxpayer dollars are involved.

DeSantis has made it clear: Florida won’t allow its streets to become billboards for any ideology. Whether this leads to legal challenges remains to be seen, but for now, the state is moving forward with removals.

At its core, this isn’t about hate, like some on the left want to claim. It’s about maintaining safety and neutrality on public roads. While some see rainbow crosswalks as symbols of pride, others argue they introduce unnecessary confusion. FDOT’s decision ensures that crosswalks remain what they were always meant to be: clear, functional, and safe for everyone.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

WSVN.com

WCTV.tv