Tallahassee crosswalk art erased but not forgotten: What they looked like, where they were

Alaijah Brown from the Tallahassee Democrat documents the removal of artistic crosswalks across Tallahassee following Florida's statewide ban on painted crosswalks.

Florida mandated the removal of all painted crosswalks by September 3rd, forcing communities statewide to erase their colorful street art. In Tallahassee and Leon County, at least 12 decorated crosswalks were removed, most located near elementary schools and installed by the Knight Creative Communities Institute and Council on Culture and Arts. These vibrant installations had served both aesthetic and safety purposes in the community.

• Most artistic crosswalks were strategically placed near schools including DeSoto Trail Elementary, FAMU DRS, Hartsfield Elementary, Kate Sullivan Elementary, Sabal Palm Elementary, and W.T. Moore Elementary
• Additional painted crosswalks decorated Calhoun Street, Florida State University campus, and the Greater Bond neighborhood through community partnerships
• The Knight Creative Communities Institute's "Crosswalks to Classrooms" initiative had been expanding since 2022, creating colorful pedestrian safety features before the state ban
• Local artists like Lindsey Masterson, Franzline Whaley, and Vardyce Gaines had contributed unique designs that reflected community character and school spirit