Mayor Dean Trantalis decries ‘creeping level of hate’ after vandals deface LGBTQ+ pride flag painted on street just off Fort Lauderdale beach. The Mayor says the LGBTQ+ progress pride flag was damaged intentionally.
He says that the damage to the flag should be viewed in the context of rising animosity toward traditionally marginalized, minority populations.
Trantalis, the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ mayor, presided over the unveiling of the flag on February 10, the day before the Pride of the Americas parade and festival at the beach.
According to Detective Ali Adamson, a department spokesperson, The Fort Lauderdale Police Department is investigating the incident. The flag, measuring 75 feet by 18 feet, is in the design of the progress pride flag, most of which consists of the six rainbow stripes that are a familiar symbol of LGBTQ+ pride. It also includes triangular black and brown stripes to represent people of color and baby blue, pink, and white stripes to include the colors of a transgender flag.
City spokeswoman Arlene Borenstein said this total project, including asphalt work, cost $77,375.
The flag was painted on Sebastian Street between State Road A1A and Seabreeze Boulevard which is close to the famous LGBTQ+ beach of Fort Lauderdale. Stay tuned at the end of our broadcast for a special exclusive interview with Mayor Trantalis regarding the issue.
