The city of Delray Beach, Florida, has voted to maintain its Pride-themed intersection in defiance of Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) administration, after the citys vice mayor gave an impassioned speech about how Symbols matter.Cit Manager Terrence Moore ordered the Pride symbols to be eliminated in the wake of a coordinated campaign by DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to remove rainbow intersections across the state. But efforts led by Delray Beach Vice Mayor Rob Long resulted in a majority of city commissioners voting to keep the intersection in place for the time being. Related Pete Buttigiegs replacement begs governors to remove rainbow crosswalks, claiming they kill people The intersection holds special significance, as it was dedicated to the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting when it was unveiled in 2021. The Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC), not the taxpayers, paid for the project.Just a month ago, the citys Pride-themed intersection was defaced for the third time when a driver in a black pickup truck intentionally left tire marks across the crosswalks. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today When do we stand our ground, and when do we surrender without even a conversation? Long said during an impassioned speech at a recent board meeting. Long pointed out that the FDOT never issued a formal enforcement letter, nor did Delray officials make any plans to install a Pride symbol elsewhere after plans to destroy the intersection were announced.Beyond its symbolic weight to the LGBTQ+ community, the Pride intersection has a practical benefit, Long said, citing a study across 17 states that found crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists drop 50% at painted intersections. The study also found that injuries resulting from crashes drop 37% and found a notable increase in drivers yielding to pedestrians, Long said. This data comes from the Bloomberg Philanthropies 2022 Asphalt Art Safety Study, which found a 25% decrease in conflicts between drivers and pedestrians, a 27% increase in drivers immediately yielding to pedestrians, and a 38% decrease in pedestrians crossing when the walk signal was not lit at intersections involving public art. The data negates unproven claims from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that Pride-themed crosswalks are not safe because they distract drivers.Lets be honest. We all know this is not about traffic safety. This is political, Long said. Its part of the same culture war climate where symbols of inclusion are targeted precisely because they represent acceptance. Its about erasing the visibility of our LGBTQ+ people at the same time when their rights are again under direct threat. He emphasized that the city has a long history of celebrating marginalized communities. Thats not just branding; its part of our civic identity. Symbols matter, he said. They tell our residents, visitors, and especially our youth that they are seen, valued, and safe here. Removing our pride intersection without commission consensus and without a plan to preserve that symbol elsewhere sends the wrong message at the wrong time.He urged commissioners to comply with the FDOT only if a formal mandate is given and only if they find a new location for a Pride symbol in the city. Thats the minimum respect that our community deserves. @equalityfl Well done, City of Delray Beach Vice Mayor, Rob Long for standing up against DeSantis fear tactics and fighting for whats right! Watch #delraybeach #florida #ShowYourRainbow original sound Equality FL Florida municipalities are not the only ones facing pressure to eliminate rainbow intersections. On July 1, Duffy, a formerRoad Rulesreality star, issued a social media edict to all U.S. governors to remove the crosswalk art.Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks, Duffy declared. Political banners have no place on public roads. Im reminding recipients of @USDOT roadway funding that its limited to features advancing safety, and nothing else. Its that simple.In the order and subsequent interviews, Duffy implies the Pride crosswalks are causing chaos on the roads and have led to traffic fatalities.Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities to take our eye off the ball, Duffy told the far-rightDaily Signal.Roads are for safety, he said, not political messages or artwork.Duffy didnt specify what percentage of the 39,345 traffic deaths in the U.S. in 2024 were caused by rainbow crosswalks.Florida Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue enthusiastically endorsed the federal mandate the day after it was issued.Floridas proactive efforts to ensure we keep our transportation facilities free & clear of political ideologies were cemented into law by @GovRonDeSantis, Perdueposted to socials. Great to now have our federal partners also aligned behind this same common-sense policy.In July, the city of Boynton Beach complied with the orders and painted over a once-colorful intersection at East Ocean Avenue and Southeast First Street. Its now painted black.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.