A protest and petition are gaining momentum in response to the National Department of Transportation’s directive to submit and potentially remove certain street art, including the progressive pride mural on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. This has become a focal point of community concern.
Johnathon Hackworth told WFLA he painted part of the Pride mural himself.
“Yeah, I painted a couple stripes,” said Hackworth.
He said potentially erasing it represents erasing something St. Pete is known for.
“That’s why they call it St Pete pride. It disappoints me, it’s really iconic for St. Petersburg,” Hackworth said.
Today at 2 p.m., activists from the LGBTQ community, the NAACP’s St. Petersburg chapter, and the Woodson will convene for their ‘Save our Street Murals’ protest at City Hall. They are rallying against the directive, which they argue threatens to strip the city of its vibrant culture.
Dot has given an August 30th deadline to cities and counties to submit a list of road art and mural locations.
FDOT wants the art removed by September of next year. They said it’s a distraction, but not everyone agrees.
“I repeatedly ask for any evidence or study indicating a distraction, and there seems to be none,” said Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, board president of St. Pete Price.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X, “Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks.”
However, Dr. Green-Calich says the art is an expression of safety.
“When Americans travel abroad, we often look for establishments flying the American flag as a sign of safety. Similarly, these murals serve as markers of safety and inclusion,” Dr. Green-Calisch explained.
As for Hackworth, today’s planned protest is on his agenda to raise his voice in defense of the artwork.
“You’ll see me at City Hall,” said Hackworth.
Refusal to comply could cost the withholding of federal and state funds.
The petition to ‘Save our Street Murals’ currently has more than two thousand signatures.
