Key West is standing its ground against a new Florida law that could erase its iconic rainbow crosswalk. On July 26, locals and allies flooded the intersection of Duval and Petronia Streets in a massive protest, defending the landmark against what many call an attack on LGBTQ+ visibility and home rule.
Under a law effective June 30, the Florida Department of Transportation now requires all pavement markings to conform to strict guidelines, banning “surface art” that carries ideological messages — a move critics say targets queer symbols. Commissioner Sam Kaufman called the removal “a harmful and misleading message” and urged legal action, while Mayor Dee Dee Henriquez confirmed the city is exploring all options.
Rainbow crosswalks are under attack by the MAGA leadership in Tallahassee and have had some success in places like Palm Beach County. The protest was supported by Key West elected officials, police officers, key business community owners and a large part of the community. Key West’s message is loud and clear: the rainbow stays.
