DAYTONA BEACH, FL — What began as a routine legislative update has spiraled into a full-blown cultural controversy, and the Daytona Beach News-Journal is catching heat for its coverage—or lack thereof.
Earlier this year, Florida lawmakers passed a bill aimed at standardizing traffic control devices. The legislation made no mention of crosswalks, yet it’s now being wielded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to justify a sweeping crackdown on decorative street art across the state. From rainbow-colored memorials in Orlando to the iconic checkered-flag crosswalks outside Daytona International Speedway, vibrant designs are being erased in favor of sterile white stripes2.
Governor Ron DeSantis defended the move, stating that roads are “not for messaging,” but critics argue the crackdown is less about safety and more about silencing local expression. And while communities across Florida are pushing back, the Daytona Beach News-Journal has been accused of soft-pedaling the issue.
Local residents expected the Journal to take a stand—or at least ask hard questions. Instead, its coverage has been described as tepid, failing to challenge the state’s narrative or highlight the cultural significance of the crosswalks being removed. The checkered design outside the Speedway wasn’t just paint—it was a symbol of Daytona’s racing heritage, a visual landmark for hundreds of thousands of fans each year.
“This is a made-up issue to cover up real problems,” said longtime resident Weegie Kuendig, who watched FDOT crews splash blacktop over colorful pavers near the Ocean Center. Social media exploded with criticism, with many accusing the Journal of playing it safe while the state bulldozes local identity.
As FDOT continues its repainting spree, questions remain: How many more intersections will be targeted? Will cities have any say? And why did a bill with no mention of crosswalks become the hammer for erasing public art?
One thing’s clear—while the paint dries, the outrage is just beginning.
Sources:
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FOX 35 Orlando coverage of Daytona crosswalk removal
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USA Today report on FDOT repainting actions
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Yahoo News reactions from Daytona residents
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