Hundreds of people marched along Washington Avenue on Sunday in a protest against Florida's order to remove rainbow-painted crosswalks, a move critics say targets LGBTQ+ pride and local control.

The demonstration, called the "Forever Proud March," was organized by Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez and the Greater Miami LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Marchers carried rainbow flags and signs, chanting, "This is what democracy looks like" and "Pride rights are human rights."

"It was a bit of a facepalm to realize these crosswalks are being removed. You know, it feels like they were trying to scrounge up the next thing, the next petty tactic they can use to make us feel hopeless, to make us feel like nothing, and I think today shows that they failed," Maxx Fenning said.   

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who was at the protest, said the state's directive to strip away the crosswalks was arbitrary and harmful, arguing that the designs make intersections safer for pedestrians and serve as symbols of inclusion. She called the order "about erasing people's identity" and said it undermines local authority.

"It really doesn't make sense and not only is it arbitrary, but it promotes about hate, it's about erasing people's identity, and it's about taking over local government when local government should have the right to speak up on behalf of its residents," she said.

The Florida Department of Transportation has identified roughly 400 locations across the state that need to be scrubbed, saying its about road safety and removing distractions.

Cities could lose millions in funding for not following the order.  

The deadline is just days away for the removal of the street art in cities across the state.  

Protests spread beyond Miami Beach

The Miami Beach march followed a Saturday demonstration in Fort Lauderdale, where dozens lined the beach with signs reading "We will not be erased." Alfredo Olvera, president of the Dolphin Democrats, warned that removing the crosswalks could lead to broader rollbacks of LGBTQ+ visibility.

State transportation officials have said the colorful street art distracts drivers and poses safety risks.

Cities that fail to comply have been warned they could lose millions in funding.

Fort Lauderdale commissioners voted to appeal the order, joining Key West and Delray Beach in resisting the state's demand.

Gov. Ron DeSantis defended the action last this week, saying crosswalks and roads should be used only for their intended purposes.