DeSantis Orders Removal of Rainbow Crosswalk at Orlando Pulse Memorial

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) faced criticism from Democrats nationwide after the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) restored a crosswalk near Orlando’s Pulse nightclub to its standard design, removing the rainbow colors that had been painted to honor the 2016 mass shooting victims. 

The move sparked outrage among some local officials and activists, who argued that the decision disrespected the memory of the 49 people killed in the tragedy.

State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D), representing much of Orlando, condemned the change in a video from the site. 

“FDOT illegally vandalized + ripped the rainbow colors off of Orlando’s city crosswalk in the middle of the night outside Pulse nightclub,” Smith wrote on X. “This crosswalk was painted to honor the lives of 49 angels murdered here, AND to keep pedestrians here safe.”

“A disgusting act of betrayal.”

Similarly, Orlando Commissioner Patty Sheehan called the action a political statement tied to DeSantis’ and Trump’s agendas.

DeSantis, however, defended the decision, emphasizing that state roads should not be commandeered for political purposes. 

The governor’s office and FDOT cited safety and regulatory concerns as the primary reason for the change. 

The department recently updated the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with input from state and local governments, prohibiting non-uniform traffic control devices, including decorative pavement markings. 

FDOT stressed that local governments were notified months in advance and that the department has the authority to withhold funding from noncompliant projects.

Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando criticized the restoration as a “callous political act,” despite the fact that all local safety crosswalks, including the original rainbow design, were installed in coordination with FDOT and conformed to national safety standards, according to Fox News. 

FDOT stated that a permanent memorial would be installed on adjacent properties, funded by the State of Florida, allowing the community to honor the Pulse victims without using public roadways.

Social media users overwhelmingly supported DeSantis’ action, praising him for prioritizing safety over political messaging. 

One X user wrote, “It’s a road. People drive on it. Nobody cares what’s written on the asphalt! Why do we need a rainbow flag everywhere?” 

Another commented, “It is internationally recognized as a safe crossing when white. It is at the least distracting when rainbowed. Painting it was political activism. Restoring it to internationally recognizable crosswalk was appropriate.” 

A third added, “I don’t know who needs to hear this but sexuality isn’t decor. Not public space decor, not home decor. Put the crayons away and grow up!”

Conservative commentators also defended DeSantis’ decision, noting that public roads are intended for the safe movement of people and goods, not as platforms for political messaging. 

The FDOT reiterated that the updated regulations apply statewide, ensuring consistent enforcement on local and state roads.

By enforcing these standards, DeSantis stood firm against activist-driven initiatives while allowing for permanent memorials off public roadways.

The restoration of the Orlando crosswalk underscores the governor’s commitment to public safety and the rule of law, demonstrating that while memorials and tributes are important, roads must remain safe and compliant with nationwide traffic standards.

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