Full Breakdown
Rainbow Crosswalk Bricks Fundraiser Preserves LGBTQ+ History in Florida
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Repurposing Dismantled Crosswalk Bricks
South-Florida drag performer Eric Swanson, who appears as Miss Bouvèé, purchased 50 salvaged bricks from Miami Beach’s former rainbow crosswalk. The bricks are being sold to supporters for donations beginning at $250. All proceeds are directed to two statewide Pride organizations—Naples Pride and Key West Pride. Donors can receive single bricks, framed individual bricks, or framed sets of six, each accompanied by a plaque that notes the crosswalk’s original location and the dates it was installed and removed.
Background & Context: Statewide Restrictions and Crosswalk Removal
The rainbow crosswalk, installed in November 2018, was dismantled in October 2025 after Florida officials ordered municipalities to eliminate street art from public roadways. Miami Beach’s legal challenge to the order was rejected, and the Florida Department of Transportation oversaw the removal, repurposing many bricks for a nearby pedestrian path. Earlier in the year, Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation that bars local governments from funding or promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, raising concerns about financial support for LGBTQ+ events across the state.
Key Figures
- Eric Swanson (Miss Bouvèé) – drag queen and fundraiser organizer; featured in The Advocate’s 2025 Out100 and co-host of the Out100 celebration.
- Governor Ron DeSantis – signed the DEI-restriction law that has limited municipal support for Pride activities.
Data & Statistics
- Fundraising targets: $15,000 for Naples Pride (more than half already raised) and $7,500 for Key West Pride (approximately $600 raised).
- Brick offerings: 50 bricks available as individual pieces, framed singles, or framed sextets, each with a commemorative plaque.
Impact and Significance
The initiative provides a tangible way to preserve a piece of LGBTQ+ history while generating essential funds for Pride celebrations that face reduced public financing. By converting the dismantled crosswalk into a charitable asset, Miss Bouvèé’s campaign underscores community resilience and offers a model for creative fundraising amid statewide policy constraints.