Two faith leaders in Florida apprehended for impeding the state's efforts to black out a street mural, as claimed by law enforcement.
In a series of events that have sparked controversy and debate, the city of St. Petersburg, Florida, has seen the removal of several street murals, with two pastors being arrested in protests against the action.
Last week, the city announced its compliance with a state order, allowing state crews to cover up the street art. This decision followed a memo issued by state officials last month, aiming to make all roads uniform and eliminate non-compliant street art to keep roads "free and clear of political ideologies" by September 4.
On Friday, state crews covered up a University of South Florida-themed crosswalk at USF St. Petersburg's campus and a geometric design at an intersection in the Childs Park neighborhood. The most notable mural, the "Common Ground" colorful intersection at Central Avenue and Fifth Street, was also painted over overnight.
The city's request to exempt five street murals was denied, leading to protests. Rev. Andy Oliver and Benedict Atherton-Zeman, two pastors, were arrested on Friday night for obstructing state crews from covering up a Black History Matters street mural. They were released on cash bond early Saturday from the Pinellas County Jail.
Mayor Ken Welch of the city of St. Petersburg stated that there is no winning legal path forward regarding the removal of street murals. He expressed that he would not risk the city losing state funding, calling such a move "irresponsible leadership."
Yolanda Fernandez, a police spokesperson, confirmed the pastors' arrests. Welch, however, did not mention the pastors' arrests in his social media post about the removed murals on Saturday.
Despite the removals, an event called #StandUpStPete is taking place at the "progressive pride mural" on Sunday. Residents are invited to make chalk art at surrounding intersections and take photos of the mural, which remains the only street mural left in the city.
Welch encouraged residents to visit mural sites and take photos, but urged them to obey the law and not take unnecessary risks. Through a spokesperson, he also encourages citizens to exercise their right to protest "peacefully and lawfully."
As the city navigates this contentious issue, the future of its street art remains uncertain. The public is invited to participate in the #StandUpStPete event to express their support for the remaining murals and the freedom of artistic expression.
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