Delray Beach Rainbow Crosswalk Removed Amid State Mandate

Rainbow Crosswalk Removal in Delray Beach

• 🎨 Crews in Delray Beach worked to remove a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Northeast 2nd Avenue and First Street.
• ⬛ The crosswalk was painted black, leaving only small rainbow flags as remnants, following a request from the state.
• 🌃 The removal was completed overnight by FDOT workers, a process that had to be repeated due to rain.

Controversy and Community Reaction

• 🗣️ Governor Ron DeSantis has stated the removal is to eliminate distractions and improve road safety.
• 💔 Local residents, including members of the LGBTQ community and allies, expressed disappointment and anger, viewing the removal as an act of hate.
• 👕 Some individuals, like Troy Bim, wore shirts mocking the governor's stance, highlighting opposition to policies like the "Don't Say Gay" bill.

City's Appeal and Future Meetings

• ⚖️ The city of Delray Beach, along with other South Florida cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale, plans to appeal the state's mandate.
• ⚠️ Commissioners are concerned that defying the order could lead to the withholding of state funding.
• 🗓️ The next city meeting to discuss the issue is scheduled for September 17th.