editor@tickle.life

JTA Removes Rainbow Color Lights Honoring Pride Month

Author :- TickleLife Editorial Team Jan. 19, 2024, 10:21 a.m.
JTA Removes Rainbow Color Lights Honoring Pride Month

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) had set the rainbow color to their Acosta Bridge to honor the pride month. JTA decided to do so for an entire weak as a remembrance of the 1969 Stonewall uprising that took place in New York. 

However, on June 8, 2021, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) ordered JTA to turn back the color to blue, which is their default color. The FDT stated that they found the usage of rainbow color as "out of compliance." 

Acosta Bridge connects Jacksonville's south bank with its north bank. The government spent millions of dollars to set up a dynamic LED lighting system for the Acosta Bridge.  

The JTA often changes its colors for honoring different occasions, from Memorial Day to Breast Cancer Awareness Day. But, this decision by the FDOT to change the color back to the default is absurd and unclear. 

People on social media are vocal on the topic of switching the rainbow color representing pride month. FDOT states that the JTA has to respond to this matter. FDOT also mentioned that JTA has to take special permission for making such changes.

However, it seems to be unclear why FDOT has made such a statement. Previously, Acosta bridge had changed the lighting of the bridge to pink while honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

FDOT refuses Sarasota Bridge to remove rainbow color honoring pride month

A few days back, FDOT refused the request to light the Sarasota John Ringling Causeway Bridge in rainbow color. However, they have accepted other options previously. FDOT's policy often rejected the requests when they find them offensive.

However, it is unclear how such a decision to light the bridge in rainbow color, honoring the pride month, can be controversial. These decisions take a step away from creating and building inclusivity.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash