Key West wasn’t the only city in South Florida to have their Pride crosswalks removed as if by thieves in the night thanks to clandestine operations by Florida’s Department of Transportation.
Delray Beach, which had sought legal relief that a majority of Key West city commissioners abandoned, also had their colorful crosswalks removed; albeit according to Local 10’s Janine Stanwood, Delray may be looking for compensation for the shoddy workmanship performed by FDOT.
All of South Florida’s networks featured extensive coverage of both Delray and Key West — with City Commissioner Sam Kaufman making the rounds on all four stations.
Emergency Meeting
In the twice emergency meeting in two weeks on the subject, the Delray Beach City Council vowed to fight against the FDOT and Gov. Ron DeSantis assault on local rule.
WSVN-7 had this to say:
More Shoddy Workmanship
CBS-4 also picked up on the poor job done by FDOT in covering the Delray sidewalks.
Local Flavor
NBC-6 also covered both cities, including interviews with Kauman and local photographer and personality, Larry Blackburn, who told NBC-6 that he felt betrayed by the Key West City Commission’s lack of urgency or concern for what he believes is a significant cultural symbol recognizing the LGBTQ+ community and visitors.
Concerned Commissioners Make Time for Media
It was a busy day for Kaufman, who also attended a meeting at Lower Keys Regional Medical Center that is helping guide the Lower Keys through possibilities for improving health care for all during the upcoming selection process.
Kaufman had this to say to Above the Fold:
“I am saddened to report that, in the early morning hours today, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) painted over Key West’s rainbow crosswalks — less than a day after issuing its order of removal yesterday afternoon,” he said. “While many of us anticipated FDOT might act with such speed, this action highlights the troubling absence of due process, especially given that the 30-day appellate period had only just begun.
“Despite this disappointing outcome, I want our community and visitors to know that the Key West City Commission voted unanimously to pursue alternative Pride displays in the same area. These displays will continue to reflect our city’s values of inclusion, diversity and Pride.”
“Key West remains steadfast in our commitment to celebrating equality, diversity and love, where everyone belongs to One Human Family.”
The only other commissioner to voice concern during last week’s meeting and to vote in favor of seeking legal relief against FDOT and the governor was District 1 Commissioner Monica Haskell.
“I’m disappointed for many reasons. I hope this is not a step back toward the bigotry and intolerance of a past era,” she said. “I wish the best of luck to the other Florida communities who are still litigating the validity of the order.”
During the last city commission meeting, openly gay Commissioner and former KWPD Chief Donie Lee proposed a resolution directing city staff not to take any more steps to appeal an adverse decision from FDOT, like the one delivered Monday afternoon.
It was seconded by Commissioner Aaron Castillo, whose district included the crosswalks.
The resolution passed with four votes: Lee, Castillo, Commissioner Lissette Carey and Mayor Danise Henriquez. Haskell and Kaufman opposed.
Following that resolution, commissioners voted unanimously to work toward establishing more permanent displays in honor of Key West’s LGBTQ+ community and heritage.
This is an evolving story. Watch this space.
