BREAKING NEWS: Duval and Petronia crosswalks repainted
The incident happened at approximately midnight. It was not clear if an arrest was made but some on social media claimed there was.
The battle over Key Wests rainbow-colored Pride crosswalks at the corner of Duval and Petronia streets entered a new chapter Thursday night, when fresh paint appeared on the pavement just days after the state removed the original designs under the cover of darkness.
Facebook posts circulated showing the words “Say Gay” painted across one crosswalk and the phrase “Erasing Paint ≠ Erase People” scrawled on another. The impromptu rainbow art followed the Florida Department of Transportation’s pre-dawn removal of the city’s official Pride crosswalks earlier in the week.
As of 11:48 p.m., the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office website reflected no arrests connected to the latest painting.
The original rainbow crosswalks, long considered a LGBTQ+ landmark in the 800 block of Duval St., were removed Monday morning after FDOT issued a final order siding with opponents who argued the designs violated state roadway standards.
The removal sparked criticism from city leaders and advocacy groups, who vowed to find other ways to display symbols of inclusion.
City Commissioner Donie Lee said earlier this week that the city remains committed to finding alternative Pride displays in the neighborhood. “These displays will continue to reflect our values of inclusion, diversity and pride,” he said — despite the fact that Lee was responsible for a resolution directing city staff to not pursue any further legal action to preserve the crosswalks.
With tensions still high, the new street art signals continued pushback from the community.
This is an evolving story. Watch this space.