MIAMI BEACH, Fla. \u2014 For many, the rainbow crosswalk was a symbol of love, acceptance and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.<\/p>\n
Now, just behind a green fence, there\u2019s a rebirth — five months after FDOT crews ripped up the pavers that made up the iconic crosswalk. The new version was unanimously approved by Miami Beach commissioners.<\/p>\n
Brick by brick, crews are rebuilding it near Ocean Drive and 12th Street.<\/p>\n
Local 10 News was there as a small crew began reassembling the former crosswalk.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo take something that was considered an assault to some people, a tragedy to others and a front to most — and turn it into a moment of strength and pride, what better than that,\u201d Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt said.<\/p>\n
The original crosswalk was removed after the DeSantis administration banned roadway designs tied to social, political or ideological messages, citing safety concerns.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have Tallahassee spending its time manufacturing culture wars,\u201d Katzoff Bhatt said. \u201cIt was empirically the safest intersection on Ocean Drive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city appealed the decision but lost.<\/p>\n
On Oct. 25, state transportation crews used heavy machinery to tear apart the crosswalk.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese crosswalks were a symbol of progress, and they come and stripe it away — it\u2019s a very clear message,\u201d Commissioner Alex Fernandez said.<\/p>\n
Four months later, Katzoff Bhatt pushed an agenda item to bring it back in a new way — moving it into Lummus Park and sidestepping state restrictions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a simple replace of the rainbow crosswalk that was torn up,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Part of what makes the project unique: the original pavers are being reused and merged with new ones to create a rainbow sidewalk.<\/p>\n
The project is expected to cost about $100,000. Commissioners also approved a plaque explaining its history, and Commissioner Joe Magazine has pledged to donate benches.<\/p>\n
\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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