SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) — On Sunday afternoon, people from Harvest Sarasota Church and LGBTQ+ advocates gathered to create a vibrant mural on the church grounds. This initiative was a response to the recent removal of pride crosswalks and street art in various parts of Florida.
Pastor Dan Minor of Harvest Sarasota Church said the congregation felt compelled to act once the removals began.
“We knew the minute that pride crosswalks across the state of Florida were being covered over,” Minor said. “We had to do something and do it quickly.”
The mural spans about 500 square feet — roughly the size of a two-car garage — and sits between two major buildings on the church campus.
“We were excited at the opportunity to be here and to be able to send out the message that all are loved and all are included here in our city,” Minor said.
Over the last month, pavement art across the state has been removed under a new Florida Department of Transportation policy.
“We did an inventory of more than 400 locations across the state and it’s all kinds of art,” Florida Department of Secretary Jared Perdue said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously defended the decision, saying any street art must comply with the updated policy.
“It’s just a change in policy,” DeSantis said. “We don’t want to be in a situation where we’re playing whack-a-mole and say, ‘Oh no, that mural is fine, but that one’s not.’”
Because the mural at Harvest Sarasota Church is on private property, it will not be subject to removal by public officials.
Church leaders said the display is meant to send a clear message.
“Traditionally, evangelical churches have discriminated against LGBTQ+ people,” Katie McCurry, vice president of advancement for the Harvest House said. “So, showing that we’re inclusive to all is so important for the community.”
The issue gained national attention in last August when the rainbow crosswalk near Orlando’s Pulse nightclub memorial was painted over.
At the time, DeSantis posted on X, writing: “We will not allow our roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”
