TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — This week, the City of Tampa will initiate the process of removing 47 street art pieces following the enactment of a new Florida state law. These removals are in line with Florida Senate Bill 1662, which was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis in June 2023.
The legislation prohibits street art on roadways, shoulders, crosswalks, intersections, and sidewalks. Included in the artworks to be removed are murals representing LGBTQ+ pride and the “Back the Blue” mural located near the Tampa Police Department headquarters.
“We will not allow our streets to be commandeered for political purposes,” said Governor DeSantis in a post on X.
Florida SB 1662 identifies street art as a potential public safety hazard. According to city officials, the art pieces will be removed from Tampa within a span of two weeks.
“Many of these intersections were designed by various groups to bring color, vibrancy, and a sense of enlightenment to parts of the community, and they pose no harm. I don’t understand this,” commented Victor Di Maio, chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus.
Work has already begun in nearby communities, including St. Petersburg, and across the state.
