Rainbow crosswalks in 2 South Florida cities painted over as FDOT removal order continues
Crosswalks in Delray Beach and Key West were targeted, officials said
As the fight over rainbow crosswalks continues throughout Florida, outrage is being heard after the state painted over them in two South Florida cities.
Crosswalks in Delray Beach and Key West were targeted, officials said.
Pictures taken at the intersection of Petronia and Duval streets in Key West show that the rainbow crosswalk that was once a landmark had disappeared.
Courtesy: Larry Blackburn
Historically, the gay community has been an integral part of the city’s history.
Residents expressed their disappointment when they found out.
“I feel betrayed that this has been done,” Larry Blackburn said.
Blackburn took the pictures and describes himself as a die-hard ally of the LGBT community.
“It’s a very clear case that this was strictly done to target the LGBT community,” he said.
City officials told NBC6 that the removal happened Monday night and said Florida’s Department of Transportation issued a final order late on Monday saying the crosswalk was not in compliance.
“The lack of due process is a huge concern, lack of transparency and lack of fairness for sure,” said Key West City Commissioner Sam Kaufman.
Kaufman wanted the city to pursue additional litigation and argues the issue was never a safety concern.
“Our local law enforcement could not find a single incident of public safety concern or traffic accidents due to the crosswalks in the past 10 to 15 years,” he said.
And the same thing happened overnight in Delray Beach.
The city’s vice mayor said no one from FDOT or the Florida Highway Patrol gave them a heads-up.
Last week, Delray Beach had a hearing with the state and was working on presenting evidence that the painted crosswalk is safe.
FDOT says it wants to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems, and said adding roadways should not be used for social, political, or ideological interests.
“What’s next? What rights are they going to come after next?” Blackburn said.
Following the removal of the rainbow crosswalk in Key West, the commissioner wants the community to come together and work with the city on alternative displays of rainbows, while over in Delray Beach, the vice mayor told NBC6 they’re meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday to figure out how to move forward.