Florida Removes Rainbow Crosswalk Honoring Pulse Victims in Orlando

BREAKING: The Florida Department of Transportation has just painted over a rainbow crosswalk that honored the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. The crosswalk served as a key memorial for the 49 individuals killed in the tragic attack, marking it as one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed his devastation on social media, calling the removal a “cruel political act.” He emphasized that the crosswalk not only improved safety for pedestrians visiting the memorial but also symbolized Orlando’s commitment to remembering the lives lost. “This crosswalk served as a visual reminder of Orlando’s commitment to honor the 49 lives taken,” he stated.

State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, an openly gay lawmaker, condemned the act, claiming that the Florida Department of Transportation “illegally vandalized city property” without prior notice. In a video shared on X, he stood in front of the repainted crosswalk, expressing disbelief at the Ron DeSantis administration’s actions: “I cannot believe that the DeSantis administration has engaged in this hostile act against the city of Orlando.”

The controversy escalated when Governor Ron DeSantis responded on X, stating, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” His office declined to comment further, directing inquiries to the governor’s post.

This removal aligns with recent state policies. In June 2023, Florida’s transportation agency warned cities that they risk losing transportation funds if they do not eliminate rainbow crosswalks. A memo from the agency prohibits any pavement art associated with “social, political or ideological messages,” asserting that such designs “do not serve the purpose of traffic control.”

In a broader context, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also criticized the use of political statements on public roads. In a letter sent to all states, he urged the removal of any political banners, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars should fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks.

As this situation unfolds, many in the LGBTQ community and their allies are calling for accountability and expressing outrage over the perceived marginalization of their memorial. The emotional impact of this act resonates deeply, as it not only erases a tribute to those lost but also highlights ongoing tensions around LGBTQ rights in Florida.

What happens next remains uncertain, but advocates are rallying to restore visibility to the memorial. The community is urged to stay informed as developments continue to surface regarding this controversial decision.