St. Petersburg police investigate vandalism of LGBTQ+ street mural

Police are investigating two cases of vandalism to an LGBTQ+ street mural in St. Petersburg.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on May 17, a truck accelerated through the Progressive Pride street mural, located at the intersection at 2500 Central Ave., the St. Petersburg Police Department said in a news release.

A “more egregious incident” occurred at 2:41 a.m. Wednesday, when surveillance footage captured a blue, two-door vehicle spinning out and doing doughnuts over the mural, the news release states.

Investigators do not believe the incidents are related. The Police Department said it will cost the city $1,100 to restore the mural, making it a felony case of criminal mischief.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X on Friday morning, St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch condemned the vandalism.

“In light of the recent vandalism targeting our Progressive Pride flag mural, I want to emphasize that there is no place for hate in St. Petersburg,” he wrote. “We stand united in valuing and appreciating every resident, regardless of their orientation, gender identity, or expression.”

Welch also said the city will restore the mural in time for Pride month celebrations.

In February, a 19-year-old Clearwater man was arrested in connection to a similar incident in Delray Beach. Police say Dylan Brewer did burnouts over an LGBTQ+ street mural at the intersection of Northeast First Street and Northeast Second Avenue on Feb. 4.

Brewer was charged with one felony count of criminal mischief over $1,000 and one count of reckless driving. He has pleaded not guilty, and a status hearing for his case is set for June 4 in Palm Beach County, court records show.

Anyone with information about the vandalism to the St. Petersburg mural can contact police at 727-893-7780 or text “SPPD” and your tip to TIP411.

This story has been updated to show that the street mural is at an intersection in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg.