Florida’s Stance on Asphalt Art: What You Need to Know

Key Information:

• Florida cities must remove asphalt art from pavements due to compliance regulations.
• The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) mandates adherence to the FDOT Design Manual and related standards.
• Asphalt art is considered a potential safety risk for drivers and pedestrians.
• Noncompliance could result in cities losing state funding from FDOT.
• Sarasota has four areas of noncompliant pavement artwork, including a significant rainbow crosswalk.
• The deadline for removal of this artwork is September 4.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has directed that all asphalt art on pavements, like crosswalks and sidewalks, must be eliminated. A recent memorandum from FDOT has emphasized that traffic control devices, including pavement markings, must comply with the FDOT Design Manual and the Manual of Uniform Minimum Standards for Design, Construction, and Maintenance for Streets and Highways. This directive comes with the warning that such artwork may divert attention or lead to misunderstandings, endangering both drivers and pedestrians.

FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue shared on X that this memo reflects “Florida’s proactive efforts to ensure we keep our transportation facilities free and clear of political ideologies.” Cities like Sarasota could face funding cuts from FDOT if they refuse to comply and remove the artwork.

Sarasota City Commissioner Kyle Battie remarked that the painted art is not currently on the agenda for removal and emphasized the importance of supporting local citizens. “There are a lot of things tied to state funding, and as a municipality, we need money to do the things to ensure quality of life for our citizens,” Battie stated.

Currently, there are four locations within Sarasota where pavement artwork exists, now deemed noncompliant with the revised FDOT policy. One prominent installation is a rainbow crosswalk at the intersection of Coconut Avenue and Pineapple Avenue. Battie maintained that while the physical artwork may be stripped away, its spirit will endure in the community. “Sarasota is a very accepting and diverse community, and we take pride in our arts and culture,” he affirmed, highlighting the connection between arts, culture, and community inclusivity.

Christopher Covelli, a resident and former vice president of Project Pride, helped facilitate the approval of the rainbow crosswalk in 2021. He expressed his disappointment over the removal decision. “This is disturbing; there are more pressing issues that need attention,” he said, voicing concerns over societal priorities.

The rainbow crosswalk, initially painted to celebrate inclusivity and diversity, has also served as a memorial for the 49 victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting. City Commissioner Tom Edwards, who also serves as Executive Director of Project Pride, suggested that the removal extends beyond the LGBTQ+ community’s interests. “It’s about the families affected by the act of hate — the trauma and grief being reignited for them,” he explained.

As the deadline of September 4 approaches, the city of Sarasota faces a critical decision: to comply with FDOT by removing the rainbow sidewalks or risk state intervention. If they do not meet the deadline, FDOT has indicated it will carry out the removal itself.