Delray Beach to hold public engagement, consider banners and street rename as alternatives to painted ‘Pride’ crosswalk

The Delray Beach City Commission agreed Sept. 15 to begin a public engagement process and a follow-up workshop to identify a replacement for the downtown painted “Pride” crosswalk that commissioners rescinded earlier this month. Commissioners and staff described both short-term, low-cost gestures and longer-term memorial options and asked staff to solicit community proposals and funding partners before the commission makes a formal decision.

Deputy Vice Mayor Angela Burns said she was “in favor of a public outreach meeting” to let community groups present ideas. The city’s Public Works director, Missy Barletto, and Parks and Recreation director, Sam Mitta, showed several options to the commission, ranging from a pedestal plaque and banners to lighting, murals in the Old School Square parking garage, colored pole wraps and a permanent monument in a park or private property.

Why it matters: The crossroads has drawn national attention and strong responses from residents and LGBTQ+ organizations. Commissioners said they want a visible response quickly while ensuring a permanent replacement reflects broad community input.

What the commission directed: Commissioners asked staff to run a city-managed public outreach round to collect ideas and asked for a workshop at a later date to review proposed options. City Manager Moore was directed to meet with interested groups and potential funders immediately and report back; staff suggested holding the outreach by the end of September and a workshop at the Oct. 14 meeting. Several commissioners also voiced support for near-term, low-cost measures: Vice Mayor Long and others backed replacing downtown light-pole banners with the Progress Pride flag and exploring renaming a short street (for example, Northeast First Street) to “Pride Street.” Barletto said banners and pole lighting are implemented through an existing Downtown Development Authority contract and could proceed if the DDA participates.

Discussion highlights and concerns: Some speakers, including Equality Florida’s political director Joe Saunders and local LGBTQ+ leaders, urged speed and that any replacement preserve the crosswalk’s memorial character. Several commissioners urged a two-track approach: a short-term visible gesture to demonstrate the city’s commitment plus a separate process to design a permanent memorial. Commissioners also debated whether private donations could cover all or part of the work; the city manager and staff said they had potential private pledges and that staff would pursue partnerships but that any use of public funds would be considered formally by the commission.

Next steps and timing: Staff will solicit written submissions and hold a public engagement session (staff suggested Sept. 29–Oct. 2 window) and then present a consolidated package for a city workshop Oct. 14. The city manager committed to meeting with community groups and potential donors immediately and to return with options and recommended funding approaches.