BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: Duval and Petronia crosswalks repainted

The incident happened at approximately midnight. One person arrested and charged with a felony count of criminal mischief.

A Key West woman was arrested Thursday night after rainbow-colored street art appeared in the intersection where the city’s Pride crosswalks once stood, authorities said.

Teagan Riley Lavin was taken into custody at 8:22 p.m. and charged with one felony count of criminal mischief for damaging property. If convicted, she could face up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

As of 4:22 p.m., Friday, Lavin was still listed as an inmate with bond set at $5,000. Her arraignment is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.

The arrest came just days after the Florida Department of Transportation removed the city’s official Pride crosswalks in a pre-dawn operation at the corners of Duval and Petronia streets. Photos posted on Facebook showed the words “Say Gay” painted across one crosswalk and the phrase “Erasing Paint ≠ Erase People” on another.

Street art that appeared in the painted over Pride crosswalks at the corner of Duval and Petronia streets on Thursday evening. It is unclear if any arrests were made. / RAY WARREN

The original rainbow crosswalks, long considered an LGBTQ+ landmark in the 800 block of Duval Street, were removed Monday morning after FDOT issued a final order siding with opponents who argued the designs violated state roadway standards.

The removal prompted criticism from city leaders and advocacy groups, who pledged to find other ways to display symbols of inclusion.

City Commissioner Donie Lee, who previously sponsored a resolution directing city staff not to challenge the state’s ruling, nonetheless insisted this week that the city would remain committed to Pride displays.

“These displays will continue to reflect our values of inclusion, diversity and pride,” Lee said.

With tensions still high, the appearance of the street art — and Lavin’s arrest — marked another turn in the community’s dispute with the state over the symbols at one of Key West’s most visible intersections.

This is an evolving story. Watch this space.