FDOT Reverses Decision On Ringling Bridge LGBTQ Pride Lighting

SARASOTA, FL — The Florida Department of Transportation has reversed its decision to not allow the city of Sarasota to light up the Ringling Causeway Bridge in rainbow colors during June to recognize LGBTQ Pride Month.

Earlier this month, the FDOT rejected rainbow-colored lighting on various bridges throughout the state, including the Ringling bridge. Mayor Hagen Brody pushed back on this decision asking FDOT leaders to reconsider.

In an email to Sarasota’s City Clerk Shayla Griggs Wednesday afternoon, Brody said at a statewide meeting of FDOT district secretaries, the agency has “reconsidered our denial to light the Ringling Causeway Bridge in recognition of Pride month. As a result, our FDOT is reversing that decision and affirming our request as a matter of ‘broad community interest.’”

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FDOT leaders decided the Sarasota City Commission needs to adopt a formal resolution requesting the Pride display, the mayor said. “Upon passing such resolution the bridge will be lit for the final week of the month, including June 28th known as Pride Day in commemoration of the incidents resulted in the LGBTQ human rights movement.”

Because there is no city commission meeting before the end of Pride Month, Brody has called a special meeting to approve this resolution Monday night at Sarasota City Hall.

“The symbolism lighting the bridge at this point in recognition of Pride month exhibits our commitment to welcoming an inclusive community for all our residents and visitors,” he wrote.