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NewsFOX 13 Tampa BayAugust 20, 2026Hillsborough

Florida Department of Transportation paint covering St. Petersburg Pride mural begins to fade

The black paint applied to the St. Petersburg Pride street mural on Central Avenue is wearing away, revealing the original rainbow colors underneath. The state previously ordered the removal of the mural, citing concerns that non-standard road markings distract drivers and pose safety risks.

LGBTQ+ rightstransportation safetypublic artFlorida Department of Transportation
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Why It Matters

The visibility of the mural highlights an ongoing conflict between state-mandated road safety standards and local community expressions of identity.

Key Facts

  • The Florida Department of Transportation ordered the removal of street murals across the state.
  • The state cited traffic safety concerns, specifically that non-standard road markings distract drivers.
  • The Pride mural on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg was covered with black paint last year.
  • The black paint is currently wearing away, allowing the original rainbow colors to become visible again.
  • The Florida Department of Transportation has not responded to inquiries regarding the maintenance or upkeep of the painted-over intersections.

Who's Mentioned

personTamara Leigh“President of Tampa Bay Black Lesbians.”organizationTampa Bay Black Lesbians“Community organization represented by Tamara Leigh.”organizationFlorida Department of Transportation“The state agency that ordered the removal of the murals.”locationCentral Avenue“The specific street where the mural is located.”locationSt. Petersburg“The city where the mural is located.”