Florida Vows to Eliminate Rainbow Crosswalks

A Political Offensive Targeting LGBTQ+ Symbols

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), under the leadership of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, has signaled its intention to remove a rainbow-colored crosswalk in Delray Beach — a visible symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. The department stated it would pursue removal “by any means necessary,” marking another chapter in DeSantis’ ongoing ideological campaign against what he frequently labels as “woke culture.” The governor previously declared that Florida is “where diversity initiatives go to die,” underlining his administration’s aim of erasing LGBTQ+ visibility from public spaces.

Delray Beach Pushes Back

Despite mounting pressure from state authorities, the city of Delray Beach voted in favor of keeping the rainbow intersection. The decision followed a passionate speech by Vice Mayor Rob Long, who emphasized that the FDOT had neither issued any official directive nor offered alternative design guidelines for the intersection’s layout.

However, the situation escalated swiftly. A formal letter from the FDOT was sent to City Manager Terrance Moore, demanding that the rainbow crosswalk be removed before September 3. If the city fails to act, the state agency warned it would dismantle the crosswalk itself—without any further notice.

Financial Threats for Non-Compliance

According to LGBTQ Nation, the letter from the FDOT goes beyond a simple demand — it also includes threats to bill the city for removal costs and withhold certain public funding should the directive be ignored.

In an official statement, City Manager Terrance Moore acknowledged the mounting pressure on the municipality: “Like many other cities in Florida, Delray Beach is required to bring the intersection into compliance with public safety standards. The work is expected to begin within the coming days.”

A Cultural Battle Challenged by Local Officials

For Vice Mayor Rob Long, the state’s move is far from being a matter of traffic regulation:

“Let’s be honest. Everyone knows this isn’t about traffic. It’s political. This is just another step in a culture war that targets symbols of inclusion—not because they’re dangerous, but because they represent acceptance. This is an effort to erase LGBTQ+ visibility at a time when these communities’ rights are increasingly under threat.”

He further highlighted the emotional and symbolic significance of the rainbow crosswalk for the community:

“Symbols matter. They tell our residents, our visitors—and most importantly, our young people—that they are seen, that they are valued, and that they are safe here. Removing this rainbow intersection without full support from the city council, and without a plan to preserve it elsewhere, sends the wrong message—at exactly the wrong time.”

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