August 24, 2025

Removal of Rainbow Crosswalk Sparks Outrage in Orlando

News Summary

The state of Florida has painted over a rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, part of the Pulse Memorial honoring the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. This action has ignited significant public outcry, as the crosswalk represented solidarity for the LGBTQ community. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer condemned the removal as a cruel political act, while survivors criticized it as an erasure of the victims’ memories. State officials defended the decision based on new safety regulations. Community members have begun to recreate the crosswalk using chalk art, despite challenges from weather conditions.

Orlando, Florida – A rainbow crosswalk in Orlando, part of the city’s Pulse Memorial honoring the 49 victims of the June 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, was painted over by state officials late Wednesday night. This action has ignited significant public outcry, as the crosswalk served as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity for the LGBTQ community and allies following one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

The crosswalk, which was installed in 2017, aimed to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility for visitors to the memorial site. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed his devastation over the removal on social media, characterizing it as a “cruel political act.” Dyer highlighted how the crosswalk stood as a constant reminder of Orlando’s commitment to honoring the memories of those who lost their lives in the tragic event.

Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the Pulse shooting, criticized the removal, labeling it a desecration of the victims’ memories. He argued that the action was an attempt by the government to erase expressions of solidarity. Wolf suggested that those who oppose LGBTQ rights should reflect on the grief experienced by others and appreciate that they are not mourning their loved ones.

In response to the backlash, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended the state’s decision, stating that state roads should not be used for political purposes. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) justified the removal by emphasizing safety and consistency across public roadways. According to FDOT guidelines updated earlier this year, nonuniform traffic control devices, including pavement markings with social or political messaging, are prohibited.

Local governments now face the possibility of losing state funding if they do not adhere to these new standards. This removal of the rainbow crosswalk came shortly after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy directed states to eliminate political statements from public roads, asserting that taxpayers expect funding allocations to be used strictly for road safety rather than decorative messages, which he referred to as political banners.

Following the removal of the crosswalk, community members organized a demonstration in an attempt to recreate the rainbow design using chalk art. However, their efforts were short-lived as rain washed away the artwork soon after it was created. Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose expressed disappointment regarding the decision, noting that the crosswalk had previously been approved under state regulations.

Despite the removal, Orlando officials are planning to advocate for the importance of crosswalks and intersections that incorporate street art, aiming to highlight their role in improving pedestrian safety within the city. The FDOT previously sent a communication to the city identifying 18 street art locations as non-compliant; however, the Pulse crosswalk was notably absent from this list, which raises questions about the consistency of enforcement.

The controversy surrounding the removal of the rainbow crosswalk continues to unfold, prompting discussions about the intersection of public safety, community expression, and political messaging. As officials navigate this complex landscape, the residents of Orlando remain committed to honoring the victims of the Pulse shooting and upholding the values of remembrance and inclusivity within their community.

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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.

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