Why are some streetlights in South Florida glowing purple? It’s not a decoration
Did you notice a strange glow on your way home last night? Some of the streetlights in South Florida have a purple hue.
The color change has nothing to do with the holidays. And it’s not a leftover Miami Art Week piece.
The lights are defective, according to Florida Power & Light. Other parts of Florida have also seen blue and purple lights this year.
“We are aware that some LED streetlights are emitting a purple hue rather than the standard white light,” said FPL spokesperson Conlan Kennedy. “Most importantly, these streetlights are safe and will not impact visibility.”
Are the lights dimmer?
The good news is that there aren’t any safety hazards with the lights. They still help drivers and pedestrians see at night. And the purple lights aren’t dimmer than the typical white lights, officials say.
However, while some might find the purple glow perfect for Instagram, it’s just not the aesthetic Florida’s going for on your neighborhood street.
“While FDOT is actively working to replace these light fixtures and even though it is not the desired color, it still provides the intended safety benefits and are not dimmer than the white lights,” said Tish Burgher, a spokesperson for the state Department of Transportation. “So, while it is not a safety concern, replacing them will best meet driver expectations.”
Will the lights be replaced?
The Florida Department of Transportation and FPL say they’re working with the manufacturer to replace the lights.
In Miami-Dade County, 101 light fixtures out of 345 will be replaced and 137 light fixtures out of 627 will be replaced in Broward County, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.
How to report the purple lights
▪ If you see a purple light and want to report it, you can call FDOT District Six Public Information Office (Miami-Dade County) at 305-470-5349 or the District Four Public Information Office (Broward County) at 954-777-4302.
▪ You can also call FPL at 800-4-OUTAGE.
