Two Florida Pastors Detained While Protesting the Removal of 'Black History Matters' Mural

Two pastors in Florida were taken into custody following a peaceful demonstration against the removal of a "Black History Matters" mural in St. Petersburg. As reported by Fox 13 Tampa Bay, Rev. Andrew Oliver of Allendale United Methodist Church and Rev. Benedict Atherton-Zeman from the Unitarian Universalist Church sat on the mural to prevent Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) workers from overpainting it. Authorities stated that the pastors were warned multiple times to vacate the area before facing charges of pedestrian obstruction and hindering traffic.The demonstration arose after Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 1662 in June, which restricts political expressions, including murals, on state transportation property. Critics argue this law symbolizes a larger agenda by DeSantis and Republican supporters aimed at diminishing diversity and inclusion efforts. St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch emphasized the murals as vital expressions of community identity, vowing to pursue a strategic approach in this unfolding situation.