Residents react with dismay – and repainting plans.
Original Air Date: August 29, 2025
Host: On Wednesday, water trucks and street cleaners rumbled down the streets of Bradenton’s secluded but iconic Village of the Arts. City crews then spent the day erasing sidewalk art. Many Bradenton residents are decrying it as an act of censorship, and some seem to be ready to resist, paintbrush and bucket in hand. The city’s action comes after the Florida Department of Transportation gave municipalities until September 4 to remove pavement art or have their funding withheld. FDOT said the order was aimed at increasing roadway safety. A study, however, shows that surface art tends to reduce crashes and injuries. WSLR News reporter Brice Claypoole spoke with Village residents, and they told him they didn’t buy FDOT’s argument.
Bria: Anyone who actually believes that it’s actually distracting to drivers—that’s insane. It’s obvious—I don’t think anyone actually believes that.…