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Long Beach's LGBT Pride Lifeguard Station Was Destroyed By Fire Last Night
This shell is all that remains of a lifeguard station in Long Beach that was painted with by LGBTQ+ lifeguards. Officials on March 23 said the station had been destroyed by fire. (Courtesy City of Long Beach)
Authorities in Long Beach are investigating a fire that destroyed a beachside lifeguard tower that was painted in rainbow colors for LGBT Pride.
LGBT-identifying members of the city's Marine Safety Division decked it out in rainbow colors last year to commemorate LGBT Pride Month. Long Beach Fire Department officials say it quickly became a popular meeting spot and photo opportunity for beachgoers.
The tower, located along the city's beach bike path near 12th Place, went up in flames sometime around midnight last night.
While the exact circumstances of the fire are under investigation, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said today he believes it was an act of hate. At a news conference focused on COVID-19 today, Garcia said:
"To whoever committed this act, just please know that: one, you are not welcome in our community. And two, that we will rebuild the lifeguard station, brighter, gayer, and bigger than it was before."
Last night, our PRIDE lifeguard station that was painted by LGBTQ+ lifeguards, burned down. The fire is under investigation but I personally have little doubt this was an act of hate. To whoever committed this act, we will rebuild it better and brighter. pic.twitter.com/VxNQZgCBpF
— Robert Garcia (@RobertGarcia) March 23, 2021
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