Miami Seaside brings again iconic Ocean Drive rainbow after state ripped it out – NBC 6 South Florida

An iconic symbol has returned to Ocean Drive — but not quite the way people remember it.

The bricks from the famous rainbow crosswalk at 12th Street and Ocean Drive have been repurposed into a new pedestrian walkway. The path is now flanked by rainbow-colored benches and plaques that highlight the deep and longstanding LGBTQ+ history of Miami Beach.

“Believe it or not, this is a protest,” said State Sen. Shevrin Jones.

“They can move the bricks, but they cannot erase us,” added Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner echoed that message: “Hate is hate, and we will combat it no matter what.”

The new installation comes months after the original rainbow crosswalk was abruptly removed. In October of 2025, on a Sunday night and without notice, the Florida Department of Transportation tore out the bricks that made up the crosswalk.

The move was part of a broader effort by the Gov. Ron DeSantis administration, which removed rainbow crosswalks in other cities across Florida, arguing the changes were necessary for traffic safety and uniformity.

“This crosswalk has been the safest crosswalk anywhere on Ocean Drive,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya Bhatt. “How dare they come in with that and rip up — with violence — these beautiful pavers.”

The rainbow crosswalk was first installed in 2009 to honor the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. In 2018, it was redesigned with permanent terrazzo pavers in pastel colors, reflecting the area’s iconic Art Deco style.

Since its removal, city leaders have pushed back against the state’s decision. Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who was a vocal critic of the move, said support from allies on the city commission helped bring the project back in a new form.

“It was the straight members of the Miami Beach City Commission that said we’re going to collect these bricks piece by piece and make out of them a mosaic of love that today stands more visible for everyone to know that today Miami Beach continues to be the most inclusive and beautiful destination in the state of Florida,” Fernandez said.