Overview
- FDOT crews pulled up the multicolor pavers at Ocean Drive and 12th Street using heavy equipment Sunday, with the intersection paved over in black asphalt by Monday.
- The operation followed a late‑Friday denial of Miami Beach’s appeal against a state order targeting pavement art tied to social, political or ideological messages.
- State officials say the crackdown enforces safety and consistency, with FDOT identifying about 400 locations for review and warning of possible funding cuts for cities that do not comply.
- Miami Beach officials said public works staff collected the removed stones for potential repurposing; the Savino & Miller–designed crosswalk was installed in 2018.
- Onlookers protested and local leaders condemned the removal, while state leaders noted prior takedowns including a Pulse memorial crosswalk in Orlando and a “Back the Blue” mural in Tampa.