Orlando officials denounce removal of rainbow crosswalk near Pulse nightclub mass shooting site

Orlando officials condemned the overnight removal of a rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub, labeling it a political attack on LGBTQ lives by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration. Mayor Buddy Dyer described the act as “callous,” emphasizing the crosswalk's role in honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting. State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith criticized the removal as cowardly, stating that the state acted secretly due to fear of resistance.

The Florida Department of Transportation has mandated the removal of rainbow crosswalks across the state, citing a new policy against “surface art” that conveys political messages. Dyer highlighted that the crosswalk had enhanced safety and visibility for pedestrians visiting the memorial. In addition to the removal, cities like Delray Beach and Key West have also received similar notifications. Smith promised that a larger rainbow mural would be created to ensure the LGBTQ community is not erased from the memorial site. This incident underscores ongoing tensions regarding LGBTQ rights and representation in Florida.