PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — A community memorial to a local high school student has been painted over, sparking outrage from residents. The mural, a collection of hearts painted on the roadway at the entrance of Jessica Clinton Park, was removed by the city late Tuesday night.

The hearts were created in memory of Jessica Clinton, a St. Lucie West Centennial High School student who died suddenly from an undiagnosed heart condition in 2003. According to the city, the removal was a necessary step to comply with new regulations on street art issued by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).

The new FDOT guidelines, which are a result of a new state law (Senate Bill 1662), prohibit non-standard pavement markings in the name of safety. They state that such art can cause distractions for drivers and pedestrians and can interfere with the operation of autonomous vehicles. The city risks losing state funding for essential projects if it fails to comply.

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However, residents who live near the intersection of Southbend Boulevard and East Snow Road say the mural was not a safety hazard.

“I think if anything, those informational banners are far more distracting from a driving perspective than those hearts on the road because you still have all those signs up,” said Port St. Lucie resident Bill Mancusi.

Another resident, John Joseph, agreed, saying, “I’ve come here a couple of times and it’s never really given me any issues with driving. So I don’t understand how that could be a problem.”

The city’s action is part of a broader, statewide effort to remove street art. Fort Lauderdale is currently challenging a similar order from FDOT to remove its rainbow crosswalks, arguing that the directive is politically motivated. Other cities, including West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach, have already begun removing similar murals.

Ray Lalloo, Jessica Clinton’s father, confirmed that he is in contact with the city and the Parks & Recreation Department to find a new way to remember his daughter’s life.

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