🌈 This Is Just the Beginning: Rainbows Return to Duval
When the State of Florida removed Key West’s rainbow crosswalks in the dead of night on September 9, many feared it marked a retreat from visibility, history, and pride. But the response from our community has been anything but quiet.
In the weeks since, two powerful developments have emerged—proof that resilience, creativity, and collaboration are alive and well in Key West.
🏳️🌈 A Welcoming Arch, Approved
The City of Key West and the Key West Business Guild have announced that FDOT has officially approved the construction of an “All Are Welcome Here” arch honoring the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. This vibrant symbol will stand at the entrance to the newly designated LGBTQ+ Historic District, celebrating our past, present, and future.
“We want to thank Key West Mayor Danise ‘Dee Dee’ Henriquez, City Manager Brian Barroso, and so many others in city government, for working so closely with this group to help make sure this happens,” said the Key West Business Guild.
The arch will span Petronia Street at Duval, mirroring the Bahama Village arch on the opposite side of Petronia. The current design features translucent tubes to allow light to pass through, and the committee is exploring a plaque on one of the posts to explain the arch’s origin. The project is now in the hands of City Director of Engineering Doug Bradshaw, who is working with artists and architects to refine the design. It still needs to go before HARC, Planning, and the City Commission before final approval.
Rob Dougherty, Executive Director of the Business Guild, emphasized that this is just the beginning. The committee is also exploring signage and other ways to mark the LGBTQ+ Historic District (Simonton Street to Duval Street, Olivia Street to Angela Street), ensuring visitors know when they’ve entered this vibrant neighborhood. Dougherty expressed hope that the City will establish a standing LGBTQ+ advisory committee, modeled after similar efforts in other cities.
He praised the City’s genuine collaboration: “At no point was it lip service. People were very honest and easy to work with.” And he echoed the Mayor’s sentiment that “things have to be Tallahassee-proof” — a nod to the importance of creating lasting, resilient symbols of inclusion.
🚲 Rainbow Bike Racks Hit the Street
Meanwhile, the first phase of the City’s new Rainbow Racks initiative is underway. Brightly painted bike racks now line the 700 and 800 blocks of Duval Street, offering a joyful burst of color and a visible reminder of our LGBTQ+ legacy.
The idea came from Ryan Stachurski, the City’s Multi-Modal Coordinator, who wanted a quick, visible way to show support while the arch project moved through approvals. Ryan brought the idea to Dorian Patton, the City’s Mayor and Commission Liaison, who then enthusiastically took it to Mayor Danise “Dee Dee” Henriquez. The Mayor loved it and brought it to City Manager Brian Barroso, who responded, “This is wonderful.” Dorian tells us the City Manager also took the initiative to contact FDOT and secure approval.
The City asked the Key West Business Guild to select the correct rainbow colors, and then City crews painted and installed the racks. So far, three groups of six rainbow racks (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet), have been installed. In two locations, existing black racks were relocated elsewhere on Duval Street and replaced with six rainbow racks—adding four new racks in each spot. In the third location, six rainbow racks were installed where none existed before. That’s a net gain of 14 new racks across those blocks, and a total of 18 rainbow racks now brightening Duval Street.
Commissioner Sam Kaufman shared this reflection:
“While it’s disappointing that FDOT chose to remove the crosswalks, I’m proud to see our City staff and the Key West Business Guild working together to keep that message alive through the new rainbow-colored bicycle racks. These beautiful displays continue to reflect our City’s official philosophy of ‘One Human Family.’ I’ll always support seeing more rainbows across our community as a reminder that everyone belongs here.”
✊ A Community That Refuses to Be Erased
These projects are more than decoration. They’re declarations. They show what happens when a community refuses to be erased—and instead responds with creativity, unity, and pride.
As Rob Dougherty put it: “This is just the beginning.”
We couldn’t agree more.
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Read our September 10, 2025 story: From Rainbow Crosswalks to Rainbow Museums.
Feature Photo: Key West Business Guild Executive Director Rob Dougherty, Community Services’ Ralph Major, 801 business owner Jim Gilleran, and Community Services’ Richard Sarver.
Chris Hamilton is the founder of Friends of Car-Free Key West & Duval Street/Historic Downtown, a local advocacy group championing sustainable mobility and vibrant public spaces. Subscribe to the blog and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Substack for updates. All stories are cross posted at KONK Life News. Originally from Washington, D.C., Chris spent over two decades leading nationally acclaimed initiatives in transit, biking, walking, and smart growth for Arlington County, VA’s DOT. Since moving to Key West in 2015, he has embraced a car-free lifestyle downtown, dedicating his time to non-profits and community projects. Explore all Streets for People column articles here.