DeSantis, FDOT move to standardize streets, paint over murals and crosswalks

ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation defended the re-painting and removal of colorful crosswalks – and now, street murals – from city streets and intersections, citing safety and uniformity.

It follows similar guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation earlier this year, citing uniformity and safety, while also seeking to eliminate perceived political messaging. Florida and FDOT adopted similar rules.

Advocates and activists have argued that the messaging is targeting the LGBTQ+ community, which saw rainbow crosswalks painted black and white, causing some to "re-paint" the crosswalks with chalk.

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Since then, however, green crosswalks in Seminole County, initially painted for bike safety, the iconic checkered crosswalk outside Daytona International Speedway, and a "Back The Blue" mural in Tampa have been removed.

"We are gonna make sure that…that law is enforced in an evenhanded way. I don’t care what your message is. Use it by yourself. You can say it…just don’t use other people’s property to do it," Gov. DeSantis said, noting that people can display messaging on their own private property.

What we know:

In recent weeks, FDOT has had employees remove painted crosswalks from public streets in multiple cities, including Orlando, Daytona, and Tampa.

In Orlando, FDOT ordered more than a dozen crosswalks to be re-painted, though the rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub, where 49 people were killed in a mass shooting, has become a focal point of civil disobedience. After days of people painting the crosswalk in rainbow chalk in an act of protest, FDOT re-painted it and then law enforcement was brought in to monitor the intersection. 

At least four people have been arrested on felony charges. Officials said it costs more than $1,500 to repaint the Pulse crosswalk.

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On Tuesday, however, FDOT officials were spotted in Orlando repainting a mural in the middle of a downtown intersection, not a crosswalk. FDOT said markings that do not convey traffic-related information are not compliant with statewide safety standards.

There also was a meeting held in Delray Beach, where the city is attempting to fight FDOT about removing its large Pride mural.

FOX 35 reached out to FDOT on Tuesday with some specific questions about the compliance deadline and about the meeting. A spokesperson said no media interviews would be available. FOX 35 did not receive a response that day by deadline.

However, FDOT has previously released statements on the repainting of the crosswalks. On Friday morning, the day after our story aired, FDOT sent the following statement to FOX 35:

FDOT statement on enforcing uniform crosswalks, murals 

"As the state highway department, it is the duty of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems. That means ensuring our roadways are not utilized for social, political, or ideological interests.

Earlier this year, the Department completed a months-long process of updating the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with input from representatives of state and local governments. This update included a prohibition on non-uniform traffic control devices, such as pavement markings on state and local roads.

In June, FDOT notified all local governments of these updates and revised provisions of Florida Statutes that give the Department authority to withhold state funds for noncompliance. This was followed by similar policy updates from USDOT Secretary Duffy.

Last week, local governments not in compliance for local roads began receiving notifications to bring their roadways up to state standards to ensure locals govern themselves accordingly.

In addition to ensuring all local governments comply, FDOT completed a review of all state-maintained roadways and is now correcting pavement markings not in compliance. That includes street art previously installed on state right of way, such as the intersection of Orange Avenue in question.

Transportation infrastructure is for the movement of people and goods. In this case, while the crosswalk has been restored to its proper form, local efforts are underway to construct a permanent memorial on adjacent properties funded by the State of Florida. Any attempt to suggest otherwise is false."

Pulse Crosswalk and Memorial

The backstory:

The rainbow memorial near Pulse Nightclub was sanctioned by FDOT in early 2017. Several community members, activists, Pulse survivors, and political leaders have supported the crosswalk – some even viewing it as part of the memorial. 

Activists, advocates, and protesters have argued the repainting of crosswalks is encroaching on free speech, expression, or targeting the LGTBQ+ community.

Gov. DeSantis is supportive of Pulse Memorial: Where is it?

Gov. DeSantis said he supports a Pulse memorial to remember the 49 people killed on June 12, 2016. He questioned where the money he has helped allocate to support those efforts has gone, and questioned why the memorial has not been built yet. 

"I've approved a lot of money for a Pulse memorial. Where is it? Why haven't they gotten that done? A lot of money has been frittered away over the years," DeSantis said.

"I'm certainly supportive of an actual fitting memorial for people that were murdered that day. One of the most horrific mass killings in American history. Yeah, and I've approved a lot of money for that over the years, but that's not for some crosswalk."

The onePulse Foundation was established to build a memorial. However, it never came to fruition amid years of financial and planning discussions and questions. Earlier this year, the foundation was dissolved. Ultimately, the City of Orlando purchased the property and has hired a firm to build a memorial. The goal is to build the memorial by 2027.

Editor's note: FOX 35 has updated this story to provide better context and clarity, and to include FDOT statements regarding the crosswalks and murals.

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