A pride flag that says “Love Thy Neighbor” stands at the end of the rainbow crosswalk at NE First Ave. and NE First St. as City of Gainesville workers dig up bricks apart of it in Gainesville, Fla., Monday, Aug 25, 2025. (Kaley Mantz/Fresh Take Florida)
ORLANDO, Fla. – A deadline this week for Florida’s local leaders to remove all street art has come and gone, but in some cities the rainbows and colored roads haven’t disappeared. It’s unclear what state leaders will do in cities where elected officials have blown past their time limit.
Some cities, including Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg and Gainesville, reluctantly agreed to have their streets paved when faced with a decision between art and state funding. Others, however, are using whatever leverage they can to keep their street art…