The Florida Department of Transportation painted over the LGBTQ+ pride intersection in Delray Beach early Tuesday, according to city officials.
In the morning, passers-by found the rainbow-colored intersection, at the Northeast First Street and Northeast 2nd Avenue, was only partially covered with black markings. City spokesperson Gina Carter wrote in a statement that city officials had received an order from FDOT on Monday telling officials to remove the pride intersection, but they were unaware that the state would remove the art less than 12 hours later.
“This immediate action by FDOT did not allow the city commission the opportunity to review the order as an elected government body and decide how to move forward,” Carter wrote. “By acting outside of its process, FDOT disregarded the city’s good-faith efforts to follow established procedures.”
“While FDOT’s action cannot be undone, Delray Beach remains steadfast in its commitment to unity, respect and the fundamental human rights that belong to every member of our community.”
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Delray Beach officials had attended an informal hearing in Orlando on Sept. 2, making Delray the first city to discuss in person with Florida officials the future of crosswalk art on roadways since the controversial removal of the city’s Pulse rainbow crosswalk last month.
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