Hearts Removed from Jessica Clinton Park: Community Reacts to City Action

Hearts Removed from Jessica Clinton Park: Community Reacts to City Action

In a move that has sparked significant outcry, the painted hearts honoring 17-year-old Jessica Clinton were removed from the roadways outside Jessica Clinton Park in Port St. Lucie’s South Bend neighborhood. These hearts served as a poignant memorial to Jessica, who tragically lost her life to a heart condition in 2003. Local residents expressed shock and disappointment over the removal, believing the artwork symbolized critical support for Jessica and others facing similar health challenges. As a Port St. Lucie spokesperson confirmed, the removal was enforced under new regulations from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) aimed at eliminating any roadside art that could be distracting for drivers, as reported by WFLX.

The decision to take down the hearts follows a wider trend in Florida, as the FDOT has ordered local municipalities to remove murals or risk losing state funding. This directive, communicated in a memo sent out on June 30, 2025, cites safety concerns, stating that murals can lead to distractions for both drivers and pedestrians. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has advocated for keeping roads free of any forms of messaging or art to enhance safety, adding pressure on communities to comply with regulations that some characterize as limiting their expressive rights. For instance, cities such as Boynton Beach are already removing street art, including a mural that resembled an LGBTQ pride flag, according to WPTV.

Community Response

Responses from community members have been overwhelmingly critical. Many feel that the removal of such art strips away the vibrancy of their neighborhoods and risks erasing crucial community symbols. For example, Vice Mayor Chris Caputo from Wilton Manors voiced concerns that state laws could hinder expressions of identity and memorialization, branding the situation as a form of “blackmail” regarding city funding. “There’s something to be said for keeping the soul of a community intact,” he remarked. Cities such as Miami Beach and Key West are under similar scrutiny, with residents anxious about potential disruptions to their established norms and artistic expressions, specifically reflecting local values and shared histories, as mentioned on Local 10.

While city officials assure concerned residents that the hearts will be repainted, they plan to relocate them to the parking lot of Jessica Clinton Park, rather than reinstating them on city roadways. This decision reflects a compromise, recognizing both the need to adhere to FDOT stipulations and the community’s desire to honor a cherished symbol of resilience and remembrance. As we navigate these changes, it remains crucial for individuals and local leaders to voice their opinions on how these regulations impact not only safety but also the cultural fabric of their communities.