Story perspectives

St. Petersburg Defies DeSantis with 60-Mile Rainbow Tribute

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

St. Petersburg residents staged a 60-mile rainbow laser display during Winter Pride St. Pete in February 2026.
This followed Governor Ron DeSantis's order to remove about 400 rainbow-themed street art pieces, including a Pulse nightclub shooting tribute crosswalk.
Some cities complied to avoid losing state funding, while St. Petersburg resisted creatively.
The installation was designed by artist Yvette Mattern and symbolizes resilience and community.

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Story summary

St. Petersburg residents staged a 60-mile rainbow laser display during Winter Pride St. Pete in February 2026.
This followed Governor Ron DeSantis's order to remove about 400 rainbow-themed street art pieces, including a Pulse nightclub shooting tribute crosswalk.
Some cities complied to avoid losing state funding, while St. Petersburg resisted creatively.
The installation was designed by artist Yvette Mattern and symbolizes resilience and community.