Miami Beach Pride crosswalk removed, part of state's street art ban

• Crosswalks in Orlando, Delray Beach, Key West, Tampa and St. Petersburg have been painted over.

Meanwhile, before crews began removing the colorful bricks, a string of rainbow flags was hung from the trees directly across from the crosswalk.

Catch up quick: In August, the DeSantis administration began cracking down on public street art, echoing guidance from the Trump administration.

• State transportation officials have said, without evidence, that the art distracts and confuses drivers — a claim many, including local elected officials, have refuted.

Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the city's only openly gay elected leader, condemned FDOT's move, calling it a "total waste of taxpayer dollars to destroy a crosswalk that has proven to be among the safest on Ocean Drive."

What's next: The city of Miami Beach has said it plans to install rainbow benches across the city, but it's unclear when that will happen.

• The city did not respond to Axios' request for comment regarding the timeline.

Yes, but: Fernandez said the city is hoping to collect and repurpose the bricks that were removed, NBC6 reported.