Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has declared that the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, a key entry point to Tampa Bay, will be adorned in patriotic red, white, and blue lights from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
This decision effectively discontinues the tradition of lighting the bridge for various events, including a week in June dedicated to LGBT "Pride" Month.
The "Freedom Summer" illumination plan was unveiled by Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue. He stated, As Floridians prepare for Freedom Summer, Floridas bridges will follow suit, illuminating in red, white, and blue from Memorial Day through Labor Day! Thanks to the leadership of @GovRonDeSantis, Florida continues to be the freest state in the nation.
This directive from the Department of Transportation will also affect the decorative lighting on other state-owned bridges, such as the Acosta Bridge in Jacksonville and the Ringling Bridge in Sarasota.
Despite criticism from some quarters, Manatee County Commission Chairman Mike Rahn supports the decision, arguing that the state, as the owner of the bridges, should have the final say on their lighting. Rahn's opposition to lighting the Sunshine Skyway Bridge for Pride Month and National Gun Violence Awareness Day contributed to the decision to strictly use red, white, and blue.
Rahn elaborated on his stance, saying, My concern is if were going to do it for one group, we have to do it for all groups, no matter what their political stance is. He added, I feel, personally, that the bridge is being politicized by different organizations.
In addition to the lighting plan, Governor DeSantis has announced a series of events to commemorate the Summer of Freedom.
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