Volunteers Transform Crosswalk with Pride Colors at Harvest Sarasota Church

Key Information

• Artist: Beck Lane
• Location: Avenue of Art, Sarasota
• Theme: LGBTQ and all-inclusive art
• Removal Date: Following a state order by Florida Department of Transportation
• Response Action: Creation of a new Progress Pride Flag crosswalk by local volunteers
• Notable Quote: “It’s about loving people better.” – Lead Pastor Dan Minor

Artist Beck Lane created seven murals on the Avenue of Art in front of SEE Alliance, but these were erased following a state order from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Her work included an entryway piece that Lane describes as “LGBTQ and all-inclusive” and a double-panel mural representing the public schools of Sarasota.

“This isn’t going to fly. There’s no way this can fly. There’s absolutely no way,” Beck felt when she first read the memo from the state.

After the Sarasota City Commission compliance vote on Sept. 2, which cited funding threats, the rainbow crosswalk in downtown Sarasota was removed, along with approximately 300 sidewalk murals.

In a surprising turn, new color emerged at The Harvest Sarasota church on Sept. 14.

Volunteers, including representatives from local LGBTQ+ organizations like Project Pride and Equality Florida, collaborated to create a new Progress Pride Flag crosswalk on church property.

Lead Pastor Dan Minor stated that the decision for the artwork emerged after witnessing the removal of memorial artwork for the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, and the subsequent erasure in Sarasota motivated a need for action.

Additionally, Detroit-based artist Joey Salamon was available to assist with the creation.

Minor described the former crosswalk as “such a beam of light” in Sarasota and expressed his disappointment at seeing it painted over.

“It’s one thing to protest, but this is about pouring some love out onto the streets… It’s not a political statement. It’s just about loving people better,” he affirmed.

The turnout for the project was described by Minor as “incredible.”

Beck praised The Harvest for their courage in the current political climate.

“Right now, it takes a tremendous amount of courage to say you will not accept disrespect,” she said.

She expressed frustration over the City Commission’s decision, stating, “The commissioners just rolled over… The city could have fought back.”

Moreover, Siesta Key artist Stacey Palosky attended to support the project, sharing her own ongoing mural project connected to her love for the beach and the LGBTQ+ community.

Palosky remarked, “It’s important to find avenues to express support for all people in our community who are getting hurt,” particularly for both the Pride and immigrant communities.