COCOA, Fla. – As part of the mandate requiring the same designs for safer crosswalks, the Florida Department of Transportation on Tuesday removed an artistic crosswalk at Endeavor Elementary School.
Brevard County Community Correspondent James Sparvero heard unfavorable reaction to what’s become a polarizing subject across Central Florida, like at the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando, as well as crosswalks around Seminole County.
The crosswalk at Endeavor Elementary had inspirational phrases, like “road to opportunity” and “path to success.”
“I believe the state is overstepping their boundaries,” Endeavor alumnus Kevin Lyles said. “If the neighborhood don’t have no complaints, and the school district don’t have complaints about the color of the sidewalks, what’s the difference?” he asked. “Let it be.”
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The neighbor and alum of the school dismissed arguments from some drivers who feel crosswalks painted with different colors are distracting.
“It should make you more aware that you’re approaching a crosswalk because of the colors,” Lyles said.
The city celebrated the crosswalk’s installation at the school in 2020.
Now, after its removal, the city’s communications director, Samantha Senger, issued a new statement that, in part, defended the crosswalk.
“As part of the Federal and State mandate requiring uniform crosswalk designs to enhance both driver and pedestrian safety, the Department of Transportation has removed the artistic crosswalk in front of Endeavour Elementary School. The City of Cocoa worked with students from Endeavour to design a crosswalk that would help it stand out to drivers and help ensure the safety of our students walking to school. While the design has been replaced, the safety of our students remains a top priority.”
The city said a crossing guard or police officer will continue to help kids cross the street.