FDOT Cracks Down on St. Pete Street Murals, But the City Fires Back
In late August 2025, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) issued an order for St. Petersburg to remove five prominent street art installations highlighting the Progress Pride flag, a “Black History Matters” mural near the Woodson African American Museum, a USF-themed mural and two other decorative works. The agency cited safety concerns and state traffic-control standards and set a removal deadline of September 4. The city must also reimburse FDOT for removal costs.
St. Pete had formally appealed, supplying crash-analysis data showing a 70% decrease in accidents at one painted intersection on Central Avenue, where crash rates rose significantly at adjacent, unadorned intersections. Despite the evidence, FDOT denied the exemption request on August 22, 2025.
Mayor Ken Welch insisted the city will comply. “While these specific art murals will be removed, the spirit of what makes St. Pete a special place can’t be suppressed… we will find meaningful ways to express our shared values”
Amid the legal tussle, The Body Electric Yoga Company revealed its own “BIG GIANT RAINBOW LOVE MURAL” on their building posting on social media, “We hope you don’t find our BIG GIANT RAINBOW LOVE MURAL too distracting!” It stands as a vivid emblem of local resistance and creative defiance. “We want people to know that St. Pete is a welcoming, friendly city and that everyone belongs at The Body Electric Yoga Company. The news has everyone down, so we have to remember that we are many and our strength is in community. And, if you don’t take a stand against bullies they’ll just keep stealing your lunch money, you know?”
Photo credit: The Body Electric Yoga Company
