Auctioned Miami Beach Crosswalk Bricks Fund Pride
A drag performer is auctioning bricks from a removed rainbow crosswalk to support Pride organizations.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in LGBTQand
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Drag performer Eric Swanson is selling 50 bricks from a decommissioned Miami Beach rainbow crosswalk to raise money for Pride groups. The proceeds are intended to support organizations in Key West and Naples.
Why it matters
The initiative follows the state-mandated removal of various street art installations in 2025. Swanson aims to provide financial aid to groups that lack corporate sponsorship.
Eric Swanson secured 50 bricks at a city auction after officials removed the rainbow crosswalk at 12th Street and Ocean Drive. Each piece of the former installation now requires a minimum $250 donation for procurement.
The players
Eric Swanson
He is a drag performer currently leading the effort to auction off former crosswalk bricks to assist local Pride organizations.
The details
The city of Miami Beach auctioned off bricks following the 2025 order to remove street art, with some materials redirected to a pedestrian area. Swanson coordinates the sales through his Instagram account to assist Pride groups struggling without traditional corporate backing.
Timeline
The state ordered the removal of street art in 2025.
The fundraiser to support Pride groups began in October 2026.
Culture Shift
The removal of these community art symbols reflects the legislative landscape shaped by Senate Bill 1143, which bars government funding for diversity and inclusion activities. This campaign highlights a transition where grassroots efforts replace institutional support for local community events.
Residents interested in the project can participate by visiting the specific auction link hosted on the performer's Instagram account. These donations directly influence the operational budget of Pride groups located in Key West and Naples.
The takeaway
This initiative underscores how community activists are finding new ways to preserve symbols of local identity following changes in public art policies. Individuals looking to support these efforts can engage through online channels that circumvent traditional municipal funding constraints.
Further reading
Find more local updates on the LGBTQand page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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