Rainbow Crosswalks in Key West Painted Over in Overnight State Action, Sparking Outcry and Solidarity

In the pre-dawn hours of September 9, 2025, Key West residents awoke to find the vibrant rainbow crosswalks adorning the intersection of Duval and Petronia Streets—long a hallmark of the city’s Pink Triangle neighborhood—painted over by crews dispatched by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) . The operation, carried out between 2 and 3 a.m., followed a final order from FDOT delivered late the previous afternoon, requiring immediate removal of the Pride-themed street markings that had become a tourist attraction and symbol of solidarity for nearly a decade .

The crosswalks, first installed in 2015, were part of a broader movement by Key West to celebrate and visibly support its LGBTQ+ community, drawing thousands of visitors each year and serving as a backdrop for Pride parades, weddings, and everyday moments of affirmation .

The FDOT justified its actions by citing state and federal standards for traffic control devices, which prohibit non-standard road markings, including painted rainbows . The agency warned the city that failure to comply would result in direct intervention and a bill for the removal costs.

Local leaders expressed strong opposition to the abrupt erasure. Key West Commissioner Sam Kaufman told reporters, "We had a final order from the Florida Department of Transportation that was made available to us late yesterday afternoon and then, in the wee hours of the morning today, something like between 2 and 3 a.m., it seems that FDOT had their workers in Key West to paint over the crosswalks" . Kaufman added, "I strongly disagree with this. We really need to do what we can to display rainbows in every other way that is permissible" .

The Key West Business Guild, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and tourism, issued a statement calling the FDOT action "disheartening" but emphasizing that the organization would remain "steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community is visibly represented in our Historic Gayborhood" . Residents were urged to contact the city commission and advocate for new forms of public LGBTQ+ art and visibility.

The crackdown in Key West was part of a broader statewide campaign against Pride-themed crosswalks and street art. Similar removals occurred in Delray Beach on the same morning, with FDOT acting less than 12 hours after issuing its directive and before local officials could convene for discussion . Delray Beach Vice Mayor Rob Long stated, “Let’s be honest. We all know this is not about traffic safety. This is political” .

The actions followed a July 2025 call by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging all 50 governors to eliminate "non-standard" roadway markings nationwide, including rainbow crosswalks, citing uniformity and safety concerns .

Critics argue that the enforcement disproportionately targets symbols of LGBTQ+ visibility, especially in cities with longstanding commitments to inclusivity and diversity. Legal experts note the complexity of reconciling federal and state transportation regulations with local autonomy and freedom of expression .

The erasure of the rainbow crosswalks has galvanized activists and allies across Florida. Some have responded by organizing rallies, chalking temporary rainbows, and calling for more creative expressions of pride that do not violate state regulations . Despite police crackdowns and arrests, protesters continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility, stressing that symbols matter in the ongoing struggle for equality.

Local businesses and residents have begun planning new art installations, window displays, and events to reaffirm the city's identity as a welcoming haven for LGBTQ+ people. The Key West Business Guild and other organizations are exploring partnerships to ensure that the spirit of the crosswalks lives on in other forms .

Key West’s Pink Triangle neighborhood, often called the “Gayborhood,” remains a vibrant center for LGBTQ+ life and will host community forums and public art projects in the coming weeks to foster dialogue and solidarity .

The events in Key West mark a pivotal moment for LGBTQ+ communities and their allies, highlighting the tension between state policy and local efforts to create welcoming, affirming spaces. While the painted rainbow crosswalks are gone, the determination to maintain visible symbols of pride remains strong.

As Commissioner Kaufman and others have emphasized, the challenge now lies in finding new, permissible ways to honor the city’s history and its LGBTQ+ residents. Community leaders are urging residents and visitors alike to stay engaged, advocate for inclusive policies, and support public art projects that celebrate diversity—within the bounds of current regulations .

National organizations are watching closely, with many expressing concern about the precedent set by Florida’s actions and its impact on similar initiatives elsewhere . For now, the story of Key West’s rainbow crosswalks stands as a testament to both the challenges and resilience of queer communities in the face of changing political landscapes.