Florida Cities Begin Painting Over Rainbow Crosswalks

West Palm Beach’s ABC affiliate reports:

The rainbow colors of a pride intersection in Boynton Beach, Florida, have been painted over in black. It wasn’t the work of vandals, but an official action by the city. Officials say they did it, not because they wanted to, but because they had to by following an order from the Trump administration. On Wednesday morning, Boynton Beach workers were on the job painting over the pride intersection just a block away from city hall.

Almost four years to the day after the ribbon cutting and the unveiling, the intersection is now painted black. In a statement, city leaders say they did it to ensure full compliance with state and federal transportation mandates. They’re referencing a July 1 social media post from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who ordered the removal of all pride intersections around the country. He said, “Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks.”

West Palm Beach’s CBS affiliate reports:

The city of West Palm Beach tells WPBF 25 News it will comply with updated FDOT regulations and will soon power wash the rainbow crosswalk at Spruce Avenue and Northwood Road, a similar move the city of Boynton Beach made earlier this week.

The city of West Palm Beach released its plan for what it plans to do next. The city will relocate the monument to Serenity Park in Northwood Village. City officials say the original historic colored LGBTQ+ flag bricks will serve as the centerpiece of a beautifully redesigned public space, which will feature enhanced landscaping, improved lighting, and other welcoming elements.

“The rainbow crosswalk has served as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and pride in our community,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “While we comply with state regulations, we remain fully committed to preserving that spirit through a monument that will continue to honor and celebrate our LGBTQ+ residents and their contributions to the fabric of West Palm Beach.”

The erasure is literal. As you’ll see in the video, city leaders are NOT happy about this. Studies have show that intersections with rainbow crosswalks have fewer accidents involving vehicles or pedestrians.

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