DeSantis Sparks Outrage by Banning Pride Colors on Florida Bridges
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s administration has imposed restrictions on the lighting of bridges in Florida.
Cities across the state are now limited to using the colors red, white, and blue for bridge illumination during certain times of the year. This decision impacts celebrations such as Pride Month which often utilize rainbow lighting.
"Freedom Summer" Restrictions Introduced
Governor DeSantis has termed the initiative “Freedom Summer,” during which the use of patriotic colors will be mandated from May 27 through September 2.
![A bridge in Florida illuminated with red, white, and blue lights under a night sky](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/2e3295fc-untitled-design-35.jpg)
Source: FDOT_Secretary/X
This was announced by the Florida Department of Transportation, specifying that only these colors can be used for bridge lighting during the mentioned period.
Official Announcement on Social Media
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue shared the new lighting policy on social media, emphasizing the patriotic theme.
![Two men, presumably officials from the Florida Department of Transportation, standing in front of a wooden wall with the department's name engraved on it](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/4d52a37a-untitled-design-36.jpg)
Source: FDOT_Secretary/X
“As Floridians prepare for Freedom Summer, Florida’s bridges will follow suit, illuminating in red, white, and blue from Memorial Day through Labor Day!” Perdue wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Implications for LGBTQ+ Events
The decision to limit bridge lighting to red, white, and blue is seen by many as a direct response to events that feature rainbow lighting, particularly during Pride Month.
![A large crowd holding up a massive rainbow flag at a public gathering, with city buildings in the background](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/ff6b1ec8-untitled-design-37.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
This change follows several laws that have targeted the LGBTQ+ community in Florida in recent years.
Community Response to the Change
Community leaders have expressed their intentions to continue celebrating diversity and inclusion despite the new lighting restrictions.
![A group of diverse people smiling and holding campaign signs for political candidates, standing in a park setting](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/875ad488-untitled-design-38.jpg)
Source: CarlosGSmith/X
“LGBTQ Floridians will proudly raise our flags even higher and our lights will only shine brighter in the darkness they’ve created,” said Carlos Guillermo Smith, Equality Florida’s senior policy adviser.
Specific Impact on Sarasota's Ringling Causeway Bridge
The Ringling Causeway Bridge, which usually displays rainbow colors for one week in June, will now be limited to red, white, and blue.
![Scenic view of the Ringling Causeway Bridge spanning over calm waters, with palm trees and a sandy shoreline in the foreground](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/238dc199-untitled-design-39.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The bridge also marks other occasions like National Gun Awareness Month and Women’s Equality Day with different colors, which will also be affected.
City Officials' Frustration
Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert shared the difficulties local governments face due to the state’s control over bridge lighting.
![A bridge with blue illuminated pillars stands over water with a boat passing underneath at sunset](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/cd7e874d-untitled-design-40.jpg)
Source: LizAlpert/X
“It’s very popular,” Alpert said, referring to the diverse lighting, “But the state has control of the bridge, so we don’t control the lights.”
Lack of Response from State Officials
Inquiries about the change in lighting policy have been met with silence from state officials.
![Ron DeSantis speaking at a podium, with a vividly colorful background featuring gradient shades of red, orange, and blue](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/7e81b5f0-untitled-design-41.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Neither Perdue’s office nor DeSantis’s communications office returned requests for comment on the matter.
Broader "Freedom Summer" Initiatives
In addition to the bridge lighting policy, “Freedom Summer” includes a tax holiday that allows Floridians to save on outdoor recreation equipment and on entrance fees to state parks and museums.
![Ron DeSantis delivering a speech at a podium, with a large American flag in the background and an attentive audience in the foreground](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/cb31b62a-untitled-design-42.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
These initiatives are part of the governor’s office’s broader effort to promote what they call the freedom of the state.
Background of the Lighting Decision
The change to bridge lighting policies was influenced by complaints from local leaders like Manatee County Commissioner Mike Rahn, who objected to rainbow displays on bridges.
![A smiling official standing in front of the American flag and the Florida state flag in what appears to be a government building](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/77ac2c0d-untitled-design-43.jpg)
Source: Mike Rahn/Facebook
Subsequently, the statewide mandate for patriotic colors was implemented.
Historical Significance of "Freedom Summer"
The term “Freedom Summer” recalls the 1964 civil rights campaign aimed at registering Black voters in Mississippi.
![A historical marker describing the events of Freedom Summer 1964, with details of the activists involved and the significance of the movement](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/9c5f87b5-untitled-design-44.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The use of this term by DeSantis’s administration has drawn attention due to its historical significance and the current context of its application.
The Impact on Community and Culture
In Jacksonville, the colorful lighting of the Acosta Bridge is considered a form of public art and is crucial for marking various events and awareness campaigns.
![A night scene showing a lit bridge spanning a river, with reflections on the water and city lights in the background](https://images.savvydime.com/2024/05/9f12a9e2-untitled-design-45.jpg)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
The restriction to only three colors significantly alters the cultural and visual landscape of the city, as noted by community leaders.