Miami Beach Unveils New Rainbow-Colored Pedestrian Area After State-Ordered Removal

City officials say the new installation is not technically a crosswalk, but a rainbow-colored pedestrian area located near the original site.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:34am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeating pattern of a rainbow-colored pedestrian crossing marker, conceptually representing the LGBTQ community's determination to maintain visible symbols of pride in Miami Beach.The vibrant new rainbow-colored pedestrian area in Miami Beach serves as a symbol of resilience and pride for the LGBTQ community, despite state efforts to erase their visible landmarks.Today in Miami

The city of Miami Beach has unveiled a new rainbow-colored pedestrian area, nearly six months after state officials ordered the removal of the original rainbow crosswalk at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. City officials say the new installation is not technically a crosswalk, but rather a rainbow-colored pedestrian area located just steps away from where the original once stood.

Why it matters

The removal of the original rainbow crosswalk carried symbolic weight for the LGBTQ community in Miami Beach, as it was seen as a visual landmark and a place for people to feel safe, visible, and respected. The new installation is part of the city's efforts to maintain a visible symbol of LGBTQ pride and inclusivity despite the state-ordered removal.

The details

The new rainbow-colored pedestrian area forms the shape of a rainbow from above and incorporates materials from the original crosswalk. City leaders gathered to unveil a sign next to the new installation, located across from the original site near Lummus Park. Commissioner Tanya Bhatt, who led the effort, said the new installation is more than just a visual landmark, but a place for people to come and reflect on what it means to be safe, visible, and respected.

  • The original rainbow crosswalk was removed on October 5 after an order from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
  • The new rainbow-colored pedestrian area was unveiled on April 11, 2026.

The players

Miami Beach City Commission

The city government of Miami Beach that led the effort to create the new rainbow-colored pedestrian area after the removal of the original rainbow crosswalk.

Tanya Bhatt

A Miami Beach city commissioner who led the effort to create the new rainbow-colored pedestrian area.

Ron DeSantis

The governor of Florida who ordered the removal of the original rainbow crosswalk in Miami Beach.

Lisette Garcia

The director for the local LGBTQ chamber of commerce in Miami Beach.

Sandra Cazzola

A resident of Miami Beach who expressed support for the new rainbow-colored pedestrian area.

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What they’re saying

“It was the straight members of the Miami Beach City Commission that said we're going to collect these piece by piece and make out of them a mosaic of love.”

— Alex Fernandez, Commissioner

“This is now a place for people to come and reflect — thinking about what it means to be safe, visible, seen, respected and valued.”

— Tanya Bhatt, Commissioner

“We are resilient, and no matter what, a crosswalk is not going to erase who we are.”

— Lisette Garcia, Director, local LGBTQ chamber of commerce

“Everyone in our community matters, and this represents that they will always be welcomed here in Miami Beach.”

— Sandra Cazzola, Resident

“As a resident, it means the rebirth of our symbols and our rights — and our determination never to be erased.”

— Gabriel Baez, Resident

What’s next

The unveiling of the new rainbow-colored pedestrian area is part of the city's Pride celebrations, which conclude on Sunday with the Miami Beach Pride parade.

The takeaway

This story highlights the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ community in Miami Beach to maintain visible symbols of pride and inclusivity, even in the face of state-ordered removal. The new installation serves as a testament to the community's refusal to be erased and their commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all.