💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
An artist whose vibrant crosswalk designs adorned Fort Lauderdale Beach is contemplating legal action after discovering the decade-old installation had been painted over with gray. Robin Merrill created the artwork in 2016 with assistance from hundreds of volunteers as part of a pedestrian safety initiative. The recent removal has left her frustrated with both state and local officials.
Merrill expressed dismay over the decision to obscure her designs, which she developed under a Bloomberg study that ranked third and fourth nationally in reducing accidents involving pedestrians, bicycles, and vehicles. She emphasized that the project served both aesthetic and functional purposes on the intersections at Breaker Avenue. According to Merrill, the colorful crosswalks generated measurable safety improvements during their tenure.
Governor Ron DeSantis directed the Florida Department of Transportation last year to remove or cover colorful crosswalks throughout the state or face potential loss of state funding. Merrill maintains her artwork preceded the LGBTQ rainbow crosswalks that became central to the broader controversy. She insists her designs were community-focused safety enhancements funded through legitimate state transportation programs.
Merrill leveled criticism at Fort Lauderdale city leadership for failing to contact her despite the municipality’s extended legal battle with the state over the matter. She noted that city officials utilized her intersection data in their lawsuit without informing her beforehand. Merrill has announced plans to file suit against the City of Fort Lauderdale and is evaluating action against the state as well.
More Stories
Fired CBS Correspondent Vega Alleges Network Leadership Interfered With “60 Minutes” Reporting
Nonprofit Organization Transforms Wheelchairs Into Elaborate Cosplay Costumes for Children at San Diego Comic-Con
Mexican National Faces Deportation After Conviction in Nashville Restaurant Owner’s Death