Orlando’s Rainbow Crosswalk Outside Pulse Nightclub Removed in Controversial Political Act, Officials Say

Orlando officials condemned the Florida Department of Transportation’s decision to paint over a rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub, a symbol honoring the 49 lives lost at the LGBTQ-friendly venue in 2016.

The removal of this significant landmark for the state’s LGBTQ community is seen as part of a broader attack on the community by Governor Ron DeSantis and his administration, according to city officials.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed his disappointment over the crosswalk’s removal, stating that it was “a cruel political act” with no safety or discussion prior. He added that the crosswalk adhered to national safety standards and enhanced visibility for visitors to the memorial site.

The Florida Department of Transportation has yet to comment on the matter.

The crosswalk was initially installed in 2017. The vibrant design aimed to increase visibility and ensure safety for a high volume of visitors to the memorial, as per Dyer’s statements.

Reports suggest that the removal comes amidst campaigns by Florida authorities and the Trump administration to eliminate “asphalt art,” including rainbow crosswalks, under the guise of improving road safety by reducing distractions.

In June, the Florida Department of Transportation issued a memo prohibiting crosswalk markings and pavement surface art associated with social or political messages, unless they serve a purpose in traffic control.

Following this directive, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent letters to governors of all 50 states urging them to maintain intersections and crosswalks free from distractions.

Since these directives were issued, several Florida cities have been ordered to remove rainbow crosswalks by September 3, while Boynton Beach painted over its rainbow intersection in July.

Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, the first openly LGBTQ Latino elected to the Florida legislature, described the removal as a “disgusting act of betrayal” and a “bigoted decision by the state of Florida.”

Smith shared images of himself and others coloring in the crosswalk with chalk after reports circulated about its removal. Residents gathered at the site, waving rainbow flags in solidarity.

DeSantis stated that “our state roads will not be commandeered for political purposes.”

Orlando City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, the city’s first openly gay elected official, posted a photo of herself wearing a rainbow shirt at the painted-over crosswalk, expressing anger and disappointment.

Brandon Wolf, a survivor of the massacre, also expressed his dismay over the removal of the commemoration site on social media. He described it as an attempt to erase their show of solidarity and declared that those who feel threatened by the LGBTQ community should remember that they could have lost loved ones in the tragedy.

The mayor affirmed the city’s continued commitment to supporting the LGBTQ community and honoring the victims of the tragedy. A memorial for the victims is set to be completed by the end of 2027, as per city plans.

“While this crosswalk has been removed,” Dyer said, “our community’s commitment to honoring the 49 can never be erased.”