UPDATE Monday, August 18: Florida Department of Transportation officials gave city officials until Sept. 3 to remove the mural, The Palm Beach Post reported Monday.
At the heart of Delray Beach’s arts district is a rainbow mural painted atop the paved intersection on Northeast 1st Street and 2nd Avenue.
The city has refused calls to remove it, despite Florida Department of Transportation officials decrying the mural and saying it's a violation of road safety rules.
FDOT officials have notified city officials that they have until Sept. 3 to remove the mural or have state funds withheld as a penalty, the Palm Beach Post reported Monday.
"As required by state law, if the pavement markings are not removed by September 3, 2025, the Florida Department of Transportation will remove them by any appropriate method necessary without further notice,” FDOT wrote in its letter to city officials. “You are further notified that if the markings are removed by the Department, all costs associated with the removal will be assessed against City of Delray Beach.”
The mural was unveiled back in 2021 and was meant to celebrate LGBTQ pride and inclusion. But now, with other cities like West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach backing down under state pressure, Delray Beach officials are standing firm — despite threats of funding cuts for noncompliance.
READ MORE: Florida advocates celebrate defeat of anti-LGBTQ bills in 2025 legislative session
In June, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1662, requiring Florida roads to follow federal marking standards. The law effectively bans any kind of display of symbols Florida officials consider political or social art.
For now, the mural remains, despite a state directive threatening funding cuts for noncompliance.
