Color scheme will remain visible through June 28
The Ringling Causeway Bridge light display in Sarasota has changed in recognition of Pride Month.
The action followed the Sarasota City Commission’s fulfillment of a requirement of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT): passing a resolution supporting the temporary color scheme.
The Pride Month colors began shining on June 22 and will do so through June 28, a city news release notes. The lighting configuration is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, the release adds.
The City Commission unanimously passed the resolution during a special meeting on June 21. Board members talked of the broad community interest in the lighting change, as required by FDOT, which maintains the Ringling Bridge.
With the City Commission on summer break and its next regular meeting not scheduled until July 6, Mayor Hagen Brody called the special meeting so the commission could approve the resolution during Pride Month.
“I’d like to thank the City Commission for standing with the LGBTQ community and unanimously passing this resolution,” said Brody after the vote. “Starting Tuesday night, the lights will display pride colors to show our LGBTQ residents and visitors that we as a city appreciate, welcome and embrace diversity,” Brody added.
In September 2019, FDOT replaced the aging bridge lights with LED lights, the news release says. “FDOT’s statewide bridge lighting policy limits lighting schemes to the recognition, commemoration, or promotion of federal or state holidays or celebrations,” the release explains. Special requests can be made in regard to events reflecting broad community interest and significance, the release adds, but local government bodies have to approve those requests before FDOT will take its action.