I wholeheartedly agree with your editorial of Aug. 24, “A matter of principle is worth more than money.” I commend Delray Beach commissioners for standing up to the Department of Transportation and Gov. DeSantis over their decision to strip away rainbow crosswalks.
This is not just a policy choice. It’s an act of discrimination against LGBTQ+ rights and part of a broader effort to erase diversity, equity and inclusion from our local communities.
While no city wants to risk losing critical state funds, I applaud Delray Beach for taking a principled stand.
My suggestion is to fight the rule as long as possible, but get creative. Why not install rainbow flag billboards, or paint rainbow artwork on city-owned property adjacent to crosswalks?
Those visible expressions of support would send a powerful message to the LGBTQ+ community while sidestepping funding threats and would be a bold reminder to Tallahassee: Local voices cannot be erased.
Rick Kleid, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Rainbows can be risky
Regarding your editorial of Aug. 24, “A matter of principle,” imagine a city mayor painting city crosswalks in vibrant flag-inspired colors like red, white and blue to celebrate cultural heritage — but without the full support of local citizens.
While striking, these patterns could confuse drivers used to uniform yellow and white lines, especially at night or in bad weather, increasing the risk of accidents. Pedestrians might also hesitate at unfamiliar designs, increasing risks in busy or dimly lit areas.
Consistent road markings are crucial for immediate recognition and safe navigation. Unilateral changes, even well-intentioned, undermine clarity and endanger everyone. Our streets should prioritize safety and functionality for all, not personal or cultural expressions.
Joe Trubinsky, Boca Raton
Paint, paint, paint
It doesn’t bother me that some crosswalks around here are in rainbow colors.
I say, leave them alone until they need to be repainted because of normal wear and tear, and then repaint them in standard crosswalk configurations.
But if someone asked me beforehand if we should paint them in rainbow colors, I would have said no — for exactly the reasons Tom Bolf of Plantation stated in his letter to the editor.
To paraphrase him, let streets be streets. Why does one group get to celebrate their cause on public roads while others are not given the same opportunity?
When it comes to street painting, the state and municipalities should concentrate on repainting the lane markers. Many of them are so faint that I can hardly see them, and they are undetectable by my car’s computer lane-marker detection system.
So, Governor and local public officials, get out the lane marker painting trucks and paint, paint, paint.
Michael Simon, Boynton Beach
Aboard the crazy train
President Trump is racist and sexist and was found liable for sexual abuse, yet the majority of evangelical Christians voted him in anyway.
We are currently aboard the crazy train.
Of course this regime would order rainbow sidewalks painted black. Trump and his believers are just doing Trump and being true to their values. What’s new?
Rosemarie Mascitelli, Carpinteria, Calif.
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