Miami Beach is set to install a replica of its iconic rainbow crosswalk. The new installation will be in Lummus Park. This move follows the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) order to remove the original. The replica will utilize salvaged pavers from the original crosswalk. This original crosswalk was a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. It was first installed in 2018.
State Mandate and Removal
The decision to remove the original crosswalk stemmed from a statewide effort by Florida officials. This effort targets “surface art that is associated with social, political, or ideological messaging”. FDOT cited concerns over traffic safety and consistency across state roads. The state mandated removal by early September 2025. Miami Beach officials appealed this decision. However, their appeal was ultimately denied. Following the failed appeal, the original crosswalk was covered with black pavement. This removal sparked outrage within the LGBTQ+ community and among local officials.
Honoring a Legacy
The original rainbow crosswalk held deep significance. It celebrated the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in Miami Beach. The crosswalk also honored Leonard Horowitz. Horowitz was an architect and designer. He introduced the iconic rainbow pastel palette to Miami Beach’s Deco District. The crosswalk’s design featured terrazzo pavers. These were arranged in a distinct Art Deco pattern. Its colors were chosen from Horowitz’s palette. The original was dedicated on November 9, 2018.
Community Reaction and Future Plans
The removal of the crosswalk was met with heartbreak and anger. Many saw it as an erasure of identity and a step backward for inclusivity. City Commissioner Alex Fernandez expressed disappointment. He noted the crosswalk’s importance to the local community. He stated that it represented decades of struggles and hard-won battles for LGBTQ+ rights.
Miami Beach plans to install the replica in Lummus Park. This new installation aims to honor Leonard Horowitz’s legacy. It will reuse salvaged pavers from the original. This news provides a positive outlook. It suggests a continued commitment to celebrating diversity. The replica may also be extended in the future. This initiative highlights the city’s efforts to maintain symbols of inclusivity. It does so while navigating state regulations. This trending news shows Miami’s dedication to its diverse community.
Broader Context in Florida
The Miami Beach crosswalk removal is part of a larger trend across Florida. State officials have ordered the removal of similar art in other cities. Key West and Fort Lauderdale also faced mandates. This statewide effort aligns with a directive from Governor Ron DeSantis. The directive targets “surface art that is associated with social, political, or ideological messaging”. FDOT identified hundreds of locations statewide for potential removal. Cities that did not comply risked losing state transportation funding. This issue has sparked debate. Critics argue it targets the LGBTQ+ community unfairly. They suggest politics, not safety, is the main driver. However, officials maintain the focus is on safety and uniform traffic standards. The removal of these symbolic crosswalks remains a significant news topic in Florida.
