desantis management Targets LGBTQ+ street Art in florida Cities
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis‘s administration is directing local governments to remove rainbow-colored street art adn crosswalks, sparking criticism and accusations of escalating a “war on woke” to a new level. The move, impacting cities across the state, follows previous actions targeting LGBTQ+ rights, including the controversial “don’t say gay” bill and restrictions on gender-affirming healthcare.
the state is reportedly demanding the removal of any displays perceived as promoting a political ideology, with a particular focus on LGBTQ+ pride symbols. While officials cite safety concerns, critics argue the effort is politically motivated and aimed at punishing municipalities that do not align with DeSantis’s policies.
“It’s not just, ‘I despise queer people,’ which is clearly a part of the MO here, it’s bigger than that,” said state Representative Anna Eskamani. “It’s trying to control what local governments can and can’t do and an effort to essentially target, harass, bully and potentially even eliminate them.” Eskamani noted that the cities with these crosswalks overwhelmingly did not support DeSantis and are now facing pressure regarding property taxes and potential consolidation of local governments.Former Florida governor Charlie Crist, now a Democratic congressman, called the effort “absurd and embarrassing,” emphasizing the importance of free speech.”We have a right to free speech in this country, and these murals in our cities and our communities reflect the values of those communities and cities,” Crist stated. “The notion that the state government would want to suppress that right of free speech is bizarre.” He also characterized the move as an extension of DeSantis’s targeting of minority groups.
Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith predicted the backlash would be significant. “DeSantis may paint over rainbows and art, but people are answering with defiance, chalking sidewalks, raising flags, covering cars with stickers, and businesses painting their parking lots with rainbows,” Smith said in a statement. “These acts declare we are not intimidated and we will not be erased.” She further asserted the actions represent ”a timid abuse of power” and part of a broader campaign to “ban books, whitewash history, and attack LGBTQ people.”
The move comes as DeSantis continues to pursue policies aimed at reshaping Florida’s cultural and political landscape, often framing them as a fight against “wokeness.” The administration has recently been involved in disputes with cities like Gainesville and Broward county, referred to as “now getting doge” in relation to state actions.
