MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — For many, the rainbow crosswalk was a symbol of love, acceptance and solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community.

Now, just behind a green fence, there’s a rebirth -- five months after FDOT crews ripped up the pavers that made up the iconic crosswalk. The new version was unanimously approved by Miami Beach commissioners.

Brick by brick, crews are rebuilding it near Ocean Drive and 12th Street.

Local 10 News was there as a small crew began reassembling the former crosswalk.

“To take something that was considered an assault to some people, a tragedy to others and a front to most -- and turn it into a moment of strength and pride, what better than that,” Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt said.

The original crosswalk was removed after the DeSantis administration banned roadway designs tied to social, political or ideological messages, citing safety concerns.

“We have Tallahassee spending its time manufacturing culture wars,” Katzoff Bhatt said. “It was empirically the safest intersection on Ocean Drive.”

The city appealed the decision but lost.

On Oct. 25, state transportation crews used heavy machinery to tear apart the crosswalk.

“These crosswalks were a symbol of progress, and they come and stripe it away -- it’s a very clear message,” Commissioner Alex Fernandez said.

Four months later, Katzoff Bhatt pushed an agenda item to bring it back in a new way -- moving it into Lummus Park and sidestepping state restrictions.

“This is a simple replace of the rainbow crosswalk that was torn up,” she said.

Part of what makes the project unique: the original pavers are being reused and merged with new ones to create a rainbow sidewalk.

The project is expected to cost about $100,000. Commissioners also approved a plaque explaining its history, and Commissioner Joe Magazine has pledged to donate benches.

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