August 30, 2025

Leon County Residents Protest Colorful Crosswalk Removal

News Summary

Residents of Leon County gathered to protest the mandate from the Florida Department of Transportation requiring the removal of vibrant crosswalks. The removal is due by early September, following a law passed in 2023. Local advocates argue these crosswalks, which were privately funded, significantly improved safety. As removal preparations commence, community members express concerns about pedestrian safety, especially for seniors. County officials promise to seek alternative safety measures, emphasizing ongoing discussions with the state to address the issue.

Leon County Residents Protest Removal of Colorful Crosswalks Due to State Mandate

Leon County, Florida – Residents of Leon County united on August 28 to protest the removal of three vibrant decorative crosswalks on Dempsey Mayo Road, following a state mandate from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This mandate requires the removal of all painted pavements by September 3, 2023, with the state threatening to withhold funding for non-compliance.

Preparations for the erasure of the colorful crosswalks were set to commence on the evening of August 28 as county officials moved to adhere to the directive. The mandate to eliminate such painted crosswalks became effective in January 2024, stemming from a law passed in 2023.

County Administrator Vince Long explained the necessity of compliance with the state mandate and acknowledged the community’s concerns regarding the crosswalks’ removal. Local organizations, notably the Knight Creative Communities Institute (KCCI), have advocated for an exception to the mandate, asserting that the crosswalks were privately funded, apolitical, and served to enhance safety in the area.

The protests drew significant attention, particularly from residents of Westminster Oaks, a sizable senior living community. Some of these residents engaged in efforts to physically obstruct workers tasked with removing the artistic displays. Former state lawmaker and county commissioner Marjorie Turnbull expressed her frustration over the abrupt removals, underscoring safety concerns, particularly for elderly residents who regularly utilize those crosswalks.

Despite the removal of the colorful art, county officials have promised to pursue alternative designs aimed at improving pedestrian safety in Leon County. Betsy Couch, the executive director of KCCI, highlighted that these artistic crosswalks had previously contributed to a remarkable decrease in traffic violations near the locations where they were installed. Recent data revealed that approximately 90% of local crosswalks had already been removed in accordance with the FDOT mandate, indicating a significant impact on community infrastructure.

The Council on Culture and Arts (COCA) received funding from Bloomberg in 2023 to promote art in the Greater Bond neighborhood, which was one of the areas affected by this decision. COCA remarked that the removal of these crosswalk murals corresponded with a considerable decline in various types of traffic violations at the affected intersections.

While the removal of the artwork poses challenges for community safety, Leon County officials have assured residents that discussions with the FDOT are ongoing to identify state-approved alternatives for enhancing crosswalk visibility. County engineer Charles Wu assured the community that finding solutions for improved pedestrian infrastructure remained a top priority.

The determined residents at the protest reiterated their commitment to advocating for safer pedestrian crossings, especially emphasizing the needs of seniors in their community. Many residents remain optimistic that alternative strategies can be implemented to ensure safe passage for pedestrians, particularly in light of the removed artistic elements.

The situation surrounding the crosswalks reflects a broader discussion about community safety, artistic expression, and state regulations governing public infrastructure. As the deadline for removal approaches, the Leon County community continues to voice its concerns and seek pathways to enhance safety for all its residents.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER

The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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