In Video: Iconic rainbow crosswalk removed in Miami Beach amid protests

Rainbow Crosswalk Removed from Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive

A Symbol of Pride and Resilience Erased

On a Sunday night, workers systematically removed a beloved rainbow crosswalk from Miami Beach’s iconic Ocean Drive. The crosswalk, a vibrant and symbolic landmark for the LGBTQ+ community, stood as a testament to the progress made in the face of adversity. To many, its removal was more than just a physical loss; it was a loss of a piece of history and the story it represented.

The Fight to Preserve Art and Identity

For decades, the rainbow crosswalk served as a beacon of hope and resilience, showcasing the community’s strength in the face of injustice, inequality, and discrimination. Now, it’s a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle for representation and equality. Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who joined over a dozen others in holding signs across the street, protesting the removal, stressed that there was no warning given by the city before the action took place.

A Last-Minute Decision

Fernandez recalled, “All of a sudden, all these FDOT trucks showed up. An army of workers, heavy machinery – all of a sudden, no notice to our city.” This lack of communication left many in the community feeling disregarded and disrespected. It was only on Friday that the city lost its appeal to keep the crosswalk, following an FDA order that required cities to remove pavement art used for social, political, or ideological messages in order to maintain state funding.

A Crackdown on Public Art

The FDA claims that removing the rainbow crosswalks is about safety and having consistent roadways. When reached for a statement, however, the FDA did not respond. Regardless of the reason behind the decision, the impact on the community is clear: the removal of the crosswalk is a devastating blow to a community that has contributed significantly to Miami Beach’s identity and prosperity.

Heartbreak and Anger

Large crowds gathered around the intersection, with some protesters expressing anger and others hurt and emotional. One artist and long-time resident of Miami Beach shared her pain in seeing the crosswalk dismantled, describing it as a representation of “blood, sweat, and tears.” She had poured her heart and soul into the artwork, and its removal felt a personal loss.

A City’s Promise Broken

Jamin Piazzetta, a tour guide and long-time resident of Miami Beach, expressed her outrage: “You’re like, no, no, no.” She had been giving a tour at the crosswalk when the crews arrived, leaving her and her small group stunned and disappointed. According to Piazzetta, “it hurts. I was giving a tour. I was with 4 people and I was telling the history and suddenly the trucks arrived.”

A Legacy Endures

Despite the removal of the crosswalk, the community remains steadfast in its commitment to the values that define them. Commissioner Fernandez proclaimed, “Miami Beach will forever be proud. You can strip away the crosswalk. You won’t strip away the values that run in the people of Miami Beach.” The fight for representation, acceptance, and equality continues, and the rainbow crosswalk may be removed, but its symbolism will endure.