A new state transportation law could force the city of Key West to remove its rainbow crosswalk at the downtown intersection of Duval and Petronia streets — or lose access to state funding.
Citing the need for “uniform signals and traffic devices” to ensure driver and pedestrian safety, the transportation law that went into effect on June 30 requires that all signs and pavement markings comply with the Florida Department of Transportation Design Manual.
That manual “explicitly prohibits the application of pavement or surface art on travel lanes, paved shoulders, intersections, crosswalks or sidewalks,” according to a June 30 memo issued by the FDOT.
“Examples of non-compliant surface pavement would include any pavement markings that do not meet the color, shape, or dimensions provided in (state guidelines), including elements such as bicycle symbols, crosswalk markings or other pavement surface art that is associated with social, political or ideological messages or images and does not serve the purpose of traffic control,” the memo states.
While FDOT officials claim safety concerns as the basis for the directive, others say it targets the LGBT community, restricts home rule and cities’ rights to govern themselves and improperly threatens to withhold state funding from any city that refuses to comply.
Key West officials released a statement on Monday, July 22, saying, “The City of Key West is reaching out to fellow municipalities throughout the state exploring a proactive approach and response to the possible restrictions on street art by the state of Florida. The rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets are an important statement of the City’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity. City staff, the mayor and commissioners, and our city attorney are working to find a positive way to move forward and recommend a formal response to the senate bill, a response that will honor our community.”
“Any identified non-compliant traffic control devices or pavement markings currently installed on Florida public roads are to be immediately remedied, i.e., removed, modified or replaced as required for conformity ….. failure to remove non-compliant traffic control devices or pavement markings shall be cause for withholding of state funds,” the memo states.
Key West Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez told the Keys Weekly on Friday night, July 18, that the city and its leaders had received a copy of the FDOT directive about the new rules late that afternoon. City manager Brian L. Barroso had emailed it to the mayor and commissioners to ensure they were aware of the matter.
“Given that we only received this letter late this afternoon, I plan to speak with Barroso on Monday,”
Commissioner Monica Haskell doubted the actual safety risks of a colorful crosswalk and questioned the state’s willingness to insert itself into local government.
“I really don’t think the rainbow crosswalks interfere with safety for the traveling public,” Haskell said. “It’s ironic that the party in power in Florida, which supposedly advocates for less government, is rarely reluctant to overturn local rule.”
In response to the FDOT memo, Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman emailed Barroso expressing his “deep concern over the potential forced removal of the rainbow crosswalks, which are a powerful reflection of our city’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and serve as a visual affirmation of our ‘One Human Family’ philosophy. The removal of these crosswalks could send a harmful and misleading message to our residents, visitors and businesses — particularly those in and supportive of our LGBTQ+ community — that our city is no longer a welcoming place for all.
“Key West’s rainbow crosswalk isn’t just a splash of color — it’s a reflection of our identity, our history and our values. This city has long been a champion of inclusion and creativity, and that crosswalk is one of the many ways we honor those traditions. Efforts to regulate or erase it from afar ignore a fundamental principle: home rule.”
“Florida is a state full of vibrant, diverse cities — each with its own heartbeat. We should be embracing that, not mandating uniformity. I respectfully oppose any state regulation that seeks to overwrite local voices with one-size-fits-all directives. Key West’s crosswalk reflects our story — and that story deserves to be seen, not silenced.
“I would like the Legal Department to assess and advise on what legal options may be available to the City to challenge or avoid compliance with this directive…,” Kaufman wrote.
He later told the Keys Weekly in a text message, “I have asked staff to look into this as far as other cities. I am very interested to know how Miami Beach and Wilton Manors are responding,” as those cities also have Pride-related crosswalks and other pavement markings.
“The (FDOT memo) is intended to show no bias, but clearly the intent is discriminatory (toward the LGBT community),” Kaufman told the Keys Weekly.
Key West Commissioner Donie Lee, the city’s former police chief, who is gay, called the FDOT directive another example of government overreach.
“Here we go again,” Lee said. “State overreach taking away municipalities’ decision-making abilities. Soon we won’t need city or county commissions because Tallahassee will have complete control. This new law appears to use public safety as a way to target LGBTQ pride and I certainly don’t agree with that. I will have to discuss the new law with our Legal Department to see what if any recourse we may have.”
Key West’s rainbow crosswalk was first installed in 2015 and quickly became a popular landmark and selfie spot. The four-way crosswalk was refreshed in 2020 after roadwork forced its temporary removal.
As Kaufman mentioned, Key West isn’t the only Florida city with painted crosswalks and other street markings that are now deemed non-compliant.
A Local 10 News report from July 18 states that the city of Boynton Beach had already begun covering up its own rainbow crosswalk, while the cities of West Palm Beach and Wilton Manors are facing similar pressure to remove their pride crosswalks.
