Key West Community Meeting to Address Rainbow Crosswalks: Status, Legal Updates, and Contingency Planning

Key West, FL – August 26, 2025: The Key West Business Guild invites the public to a special community meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025, to discuss the future of the city’s iconic rainbow crosswalks. The meeting will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Frederick Douglass Community Center (111 Olivia St.), with doors opening at 5:30 PM.

The meeting, moderated by Key West Business Guild Board President, Dr. Cori Convertito, will bring together city leaders, advocates, and community voices to provide updates on the legal status of the crosswalks, reflect on their history and significance, and explore contingency plans should removal move forward.

Panelists include:

·Brian Barroso, City Manager – Legal and procedural updates on the removal request.
·Joe Saunders, Equality Florida – Advocacy insights and statewide context for LGBTQ+ visibility.
·Additional Community Historians/Advocates – Reflections on the original installation of the crosswalks and their meaning for Key West.

The evening will feature a panel discussion followed by an open community dialogue, where residents will be invited to share their perspectives and ideas. A key focus of the discussion will be exploring alternatives to preserve LGBTQ+ visibility and safety in the event the crosswalks are removed.

These crosswalks are not just symbols of LGBTQ+ pride; they are a reflection the spirit of Key West, a community that values diversity, freedom, and self-expression. Their removal, driven by outside political overreach and pressure, sends a troubling message: that decisions made by and for this community can be overridden without our input.," said Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild. “This meeting will give our community a chance to hear the facts, provide input, and work together on how we move forward.”

Meeting Details:
Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM (doors open at 5:30 PM)
 Location: Frederick Douglass Community Center – 111 Olivia St.
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This event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend, listen, and participate in shaping the next chapter of Key West’s commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and pride.

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