News Summary
Orlando has requested permission from the FDOT to reinstate the rainbow crosswalk outside the former Pulse nightclub, previously removed in 2025. This move aims to honor the memory of the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting. City officials, including Mayor Buddy Dyer, argue the colors symbolize remembrance and enhance pedestrian safety. The city has also approved a $12.5 million budget for a permanent memorial at the site. Public protests against the removal highlight community support for the crosswalk, despite state guidelines labeling it non-compliant.
Orlando has formally requested an exemption from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to restore the rainbow crosswalk outside the former Pulse nightclub. This action aims to replace the crosswalk that was controversially removed in August 2025 by state authorities. Commissioner Patty Sheehan announced the filing for the exemption during a city council meeting on September 9, 2025. In addition, Mayor Buddy Dyer has sent a letter to FDOT requesting an exception regarding the removal of the rainbow colors, which have become a symbol of remembrance for the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting.
The funding agreement for a permanent memorial at Pulse also saw approval from city commissioners during the same meeting. The memorial project includes plans for a rainbow prism plaza and a visitors’ center, with the city allocating $12.5 million for this initiative. The controversy surrounding the removal of the rainbow crosswalk has sparked significant public protests, with residents expressing their discontent over the state’s decision. Many have taken to covering the crosswalk with chalk in an attempt to restore its colorful appearance, leading to a police presence in the area and several arrests for vandalism.
The conflict escalated after FDOT officials emphasized that the removal of the crosswalk’s colors was not an act of disrespect towards the shooting victims. Governor Ron DeSantis noted that state guidelines require traffic devices to maintain uniform safety standards, which prohibit non-standard pavement markings and artwork. The original rainbow design was installed in 2017 to honor the victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting, named one of America’s deadliest mass shootings at the time. The city argues that the crosswalk does not constitute political speech and serves to enhance pedestrian safety, citing the absence of accidents since its installation.
In a broader context, the FDOT’s action reflects an initiative addressing various instances of street art that do not comply with state guidelines in multiple Florida municipalities. While the state has previously supported the installation of the crosswalk and even contributed to its repainting during an Orange Avenue road improvement project, their recent enforcement of the removal has led to community outcry and criticisms of political motivations behind the decision.
Local governance officials are challenging FDOT’s authority regarding the enforcement of the removal, indicating that the city is committed to taking responsibility for the repainting should their exemption request succeed. The intersection of the memorial and the enforcement of traffic regulations has become a flashpoint for public opinion, with various community members—alongside lawmakers—claiming that political motivations are at play with the removal and its subsequent enforcement.
As Orlando moves forward with plans for a permanent memorial at the Pulse site, the city’s request for an exemption to restore the crosswalk is under review. The outcome of this appeal could significantly affect how the city preserves the community’s tribute to those lost during the tragic event, while also navigating the state’s regulations concerning roadway safety and artistic expression.
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HERE Resources
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Protest Erupts Over Removal of Rainbow Crosswalk in Orlando
Florida Cities Resist Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks
Man Arrested for Leaving Chalky Footprints at Pulse Site
Florida Removes Rainbow Crosswalk Memorial for Pulse Victims
Unsolicited Tow Trucks at Crash Scenes are Illegal in Florida
Additional Resources
- WESH: Orlando Files Exception Request for Pulse Memorial Rainbow Crosswalk
- Wikipedia: Pulse Nightclub Shooting
- Orlando Weekly: Orlando Officials File Request to Restore Rainbow Pulse Crosswalk
- Google Search: Pulse nightclub rainbow crosswalk
- Click Orlando: City of Orlando Files Exception Request for Pulse Crosswalk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pulse Nightclub Shooting
- NBC News: Pulse Memorial Rainbow Crosswalk Removed in Orlando
- Google News: PULSE CROSSWALK
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
