The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, has ordered the removal of a Pride-themed pedestrian crossing in Delray Beach, warning it will take matters into its own hands “by any appropriate method necessary” if the city does not comply.
DeSantis, who has led a crusade against what he brands “woke” initiatives, previously declared Florida the state where diversity programmes “go to die.” Critics argue the latest move is part of a broader mission to erase LGBTQ+ visibility in public life.
City defiance and state ultimatum
The Delray Beach city commission had voted to maintain the Pride crossing, with vice mayor Rob Long delivering a passionate speech in its defence. Long accused the state of political manoeuvring, pointing out that FDOT had not issued a formal enforcement order nor offered to relocate the design elsewhere.
FDOT has since sent a letter to city manager Terrance Moore, demanding that the crossing be removed by 3 September, or the state will intervene. The letter further warned that Delray Beach would be billed for removal costs and could face a loss of state funding if it resisted.
‘Symbols matter’
City manager Moore acknowledged the order, saying:
“Like several other communities across Florida, the city of Delray Beach is required to bring the Pride intersection into compliance with public safety standard. This work is expected to begin in the coming days.”
Vice Mayor Long, however, insisted the decision was politically motivated:
“Let’s be honest. We all know this is not about traffic safety. This is political. It’s part of the same culture war climate where symbols of inclusion are targeted precisely because they represent acceptance. It’s about erasing the visibility of our LGBTQ+ people at the same time when their rights are again under direct threat.”
He added:
“Symbols matter. They tell our residents, visitors, and especially our youth that they are seen, valued, and safe here. Removing our pride intersection without commission consensus and without a plan to preserve that symbol elsewhere sends the wrong message at the wrong time.”
