The City of Pensacola has agreed to comply with a directive from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to remove the “Black Lives Matter” mural from its streets. The FDOT has mandated that the city complete the removal by September 4, 2023, citing adherence to state traffic control device standards. Failure to meet this deadline will result in the FDOT removing the mural and charging the costs to the city, alongside potential withholding of state funding.
Following the order, Pensacola officials communicated their intent to comply, although they requested that the FDOT carry out the removal due to constraints on the city’s resources. In a letter to the FDOT, city representatives stated, “Given existing commitments and constraints upon the City’s resources, the City’s timely removal of the Pavement Markings as directed by FDOT is impracticable.” They further noted that the mural is located near a state-maintained right-of-way, which could complicate the removal process.
The city’s request for assistance stems from concerns about manpower and existing projects. Mayor DC Reeves emphasized the tight deadline, stating, “The reality is we’ve got lots of things and projects, and that’s a tight deadline for us to meet from a manpower perspective.” He also expressed apprehension about the implications of a city project occurring close to a significant state road, highlighting the potential challenges involved.
Reeves clarified that the city’s decision to remove the mural is not a political statement but rather a commitment to comply with federal and state laws. “The role of the City of Pensacola is to follow federal and state law, to not be necessarily picking sides,” he said. The mayor acknowledged the differing opinions within the community regarding the mural’s significance, emphasizing his focus on legal obligations over political considerations.
The decision to dismantle the mural in Pensacola reflects a broader trend across Florida, where similar requests have been made to other cities, including Key West, Tampa, and Tallahassee. Recently, the FDOT also directed the removal of a commemorative crosswalk at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, indicating a coordinated effort to address such installations throughout the state.
Derrick Scott, chair of the Escambia County Democratic Party, criticized the removal as politically motivated, arguing that the mural does not pose a safety hazard. He noted, “They talk about it being connected to a major thoroughfare; the mural doesn’t start until a block after.” Scott’s comments reflect a growing concern among community members regarding the motivations behind state actions related to public art.
As the city awaits further instructions from the FDOT, the situation surrounding the mural remains a focal point of discussion in Pensacola. With community sentiments divided, the outcome may have lasting implications for local civic engagement and expressions of social justice.
