Miami Beach to protest state's crackdown on street art

State of play: On Sunday, Commissioner Alex Fernandez and the Greater Miami LGBT Chamber of Commerce are hosting a march, beginning at the LGBT Visitor Center, where free Pride and Progress flags will be available.

Catch up quick: The DeSantis administration earlier this month began cracking down on public street art, echoing guidance from the Trump administration on removing political messages from roadways.

• State transportation officials have said, without evidence, that the art distracts and confuses drivers.

What they're saying: Fernandez, the city's only openly gay elected leader, disputed the safety justification cited by state and federal transportation officials.

• "We will not allow safety to be used as a cover for censorship or for erasing a symbol that represents love, visibility and equality," he added.

The big picture: Equality Florida launched the #ShowYourRainbow campaign, encouraging supporters to hoist rainbow flags and paint or chalk their driveways.

• Demonstrators in St. Petersburg will gather Sunday near the city's Progress Pride flag intersection, and a Tampa parent group, Sidewalk Stompers, is calling on supporters to urge state leaders to save painted crosswalks near schools.

If you go: Sunday's march in Miami Beach begins at 10am.