The checkered flag crosswalks outside Daytona International Speedway have become as much a part of the racing experience as the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber. Fans pose for photos on those iconic black-and-white squares, which connect the street to the track just steps away. But now, those beloved crosswalks face an unexpected threat that has nothing to do with racing and everything to do with politics.
Why Is Florida Targeting Daytona’s Checkered Flag Crosswalks?
he recently concluded race weekend at Daytona capped off a thrilling event for NASCAR fans, with the Cup and Xfinity series delivering a memorable weekend. The festivities began with Connor Zilisch returning to racing and starting from pole position, before swapping seats with Parker Kligerman to tag-team it for a win. Then, in the Cup Series, Ryan Blaney went from thirteenth to first in the closing stages to earn his second win of the 2025 season.
However, while the high of an enthralling weekend continued to linger in fans’ minds, Daytona was hit with shocking news amid a statewide government drive.
For years, the checkered crosswalk at Daytona has been a popular photo spot and a visual tie to the city’s racing identity. Given the Florida government’s latest measures targeting decorative crosswalks across the state, the entire aspect is about to change.
Governor Ron DeSantis has been cracking down on using roads to send messages, regardless of the theme they carry. Following the government’s controversial move outside the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando, the focus now falls on the checkered flag-themed crosswalks outside Daytona International Speedway.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) aims to remove the crosswalks and paint them in the standard pattern as part of this broader initiative.
What Did Speedway Officials Learn About the Crosswalk Changes?
The Daytona Beach News Journal reports that Speedway officials revealed on Aug. 26 that they had received notification from FDOT regarding its intent to repaint the crosswalks.
Susan Cerbone, a spokeswoman for the City of Daytona Beach, also confirmed the news around the statewide drive. She claimed she had heard about removing the art outside the Daytona track, though she added that the city hadn’t received any official notification about the changes.
“Daytona International Speedway’s checkered-flag crosswalks outside the famed motorsports track must be removed, the latest casualty in a crackdown by Gov. Ron DeSantis that already ignited a controversy outside the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando.” https://t.co/RwUURKAwa0
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) August 27, 2025
DeSantis has clarified that his administration will not budge from its decision. “The Florida legislature passed a law that was very clear. We’re not doing the commandeering of the roads to put up messaging,” the governor stated.
What Does This Mean for Other Decorative Crosswalks in Florida?
While FDOT has clarified its intentions regarding Daytona’s crosswalks, the department hasn’t revealed when it plans to remove the road art or how many more locations will be targeted under this latest drive across Florida.
It remains unclear whether communities will have the opportunity to appeal against the ruling or make a case for preserving designs that hold cultural or local significance to their areas.
The removal highlights a conflict between state officials pushing for uniformity and local communities that view crosswalk art as cultural expression and tourism branding for their cities. For Daytona Beach, where racing culture runs deep, losing these crosswalks means losing a small but meaningful connection between the community and the sport that defines it.
