'Black History Matters' mural returns briefly before state crews remove it for second time

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Days after state crews removed the "Black History Matters" street mural outside the Woodson African American History Museum in St. Petersburg , the message was back Wednesday. In big, bold white letters, the message was unmistakable.

The original, colorful mural was erased Friday night as part of a statewide initiative ordered by Governor Ron DeSantis to remove street art from public roadways to keep streets clear of "ideologies." During that removal, two pastors were arrested while kneeling in prayer on the mural in protest.

However, the second "Black History Matters" mural only lasted for a few hours, before crews with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) descended late at night, to repaint the street, once again.

The backstory:

Pastor Ben Athert