Residents of Delray Beach are standing firm against state efforts to eliminate a rainbow crosswalk that symbolizes inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ community. This action follows a directive from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has threatened to withhold state funding if the city does not comply. During a recent city meeting, local resident Marcie Hall expressed her emotional connection to the crosswalk, stating, “Marginalized people sometimes need a symbol to show they matter, and taking away that symbol says they don’t.”
Hall, a 67-year-old Army veteran, has strong ties to Delray Beach, where she married her spouse when marriage equality became legal. Alongside residents from surrounding areas, she urged city officials to retain the painted crosswalk, which serves as a beacon of diversity in a community that prides itself on being welcoming.
State Pushback and Local Resistance
In response to the state’s ultimatum, Delray Beach officials have decided to challenge the removal order by requesting a hearing with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) scheduled for September 2, 2025, in Orlando. The city’s leaders understand the uphill battle they face, as the state holds the power to enforce its will without consideration for local sentiment. FDOT has already warned that if the city insists on keeping the crosswalk, the state will remove it “by any appropriate removal method necessary without further notice” and bill the city for the costs involved.
This situation mirrors recent actions taken by the state, including the abrupt erasure of a memorial in Orlando commemorating the 49 victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. Such acts have been characterized by many as not just governmental decisions, but as acts of vandalism against local communities.
DeSantis has publicly defended the state’s position, asserting, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” This statement has drawn criticism, as many see it as a form of extortion targeting cities that seek to express their values through public art.
The Financial Stakes and Broader Implications
The stakes are high for Delray Beach, which risks losing approximately $60.3 million designated for various city projects, including beach renourishment and street repairs. This funding is crucial for a city already facing financial challenges. Despite the significant monetary implications, local officials remain committed to standing their ground against what they view as state bullying.
While some cities, like Boynton Beach and West Palm Beach, have opted to remove their painted tributes to diversity, others, including Key West and Delray Beach, are determined to fight back. Delray Beach City Commissioner Rob Long articulated the necessity of this resistance, stating, “It’s bigger than one intersection. It’s about whether Delray governs itself, or whether Tallahassee can invade our streets, erase our culture, and dictate our future.”
Long emphasized that this struggle represents a broader battle for self-determination and the right to uphold the community’s values. As the city prepares for the upcoming hearing, residents are hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the symbolic crosswalk will remain.
As Marcie Hall poignantly noted, “You can remove the paint. But that doesn’t erase what it represents.” The outcome of this conflict may influence not only Delray Beach but also set a precedent for other cities facing similar challenges across Florida and beyond.
