Florida Orders Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks, Citing Roads Not for 'Political Purposes'

Orlando, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed cities across the state to remove rainbow-colored crosswalks, a move that has sparked significant backlash, particularly after the overnight removal of a memorial crosswalk outside Orlando's Pulse nightclub. The state asserts that public roadways should not be used for "social, political, or ideological interests," while critics condemn the action as a taxpayer-funded culture war.

The crosswalk near the former Pulse nightclub, a memorial to the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting, was painted over by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) this week. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed devastation, calling it a "cruel political act" that occurred without discussion or safety data, despite the crosswalk previously enhancing pedestrian safety and serving as a visual reminder of the city's commitment to honor the victims.

Governor DeSantis defended the state's directive, stating on X, "We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes." This stance aligns with a recent federal guideline issued by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who asserted that "political banners have no place on public roads" and that "Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks."

The FDOT's updated manual prohibits non-uniform traffic control devices, including pavement markings, and has warned cities of potential funding withholding for non-compliance. While some cities like West Palm Beach have complied, others, including Key West and Miami Beach, are reportedly pushing back against the orders, viewing the crosswalks as symbols of love and unity.

Democratic state Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, in a video shared on social media, accused the FDOT of "illegally vandalizing city property" and called the action a "hostile act" and an "insult to the families and survivors of the Pulse tragedy." Brian Allen, a social media commentator, criticized the governor's priorities, tweeting, "Ron DeSantis just ordered cities to erase rainbow crosswalks. Not homelessness. Not poverty. Not crumbling infrastructure. His top priority? Waging a taxpayer-funded culture war against paint."

In a defiant response, local community members and LGBTQ+ advocates gathered to protest the removal, using chalk to re-color the crosswalk in rainbow hues. Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf stated, "In the dark of night, they came to erase our show of solidarity, our declaration that we will never forget." The community's actions underscore a continued commitment to visibility and remembrance despite the state's directive.