Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has stirred controversy by ordering the removal of a rainbow-colored crosswalk in Orlando that commemorated the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting. This decision came shortly after Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issued a directive mandating that all states adhere to federal standards for traffic control devices, which include guidelines for crosswalks and right-of-way usage.
DeSantis’s order to paint over the crosswalk has drawn sharp criticism. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer described the action as “callous” and “a cruel political act.” He emphasized that the crosswalk not only improved safety for pedestrians visiting the memorial but also served as a reminder of Orlando’s commitment to honor the 49 lives lost in the tragic shooting.
State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith expressed outrage, claiming the removal was done covertly to avoid backlash. He stated, “They did this in the middle of the night because they were scared of the resistance because they know what they did was wrong.”
The Florida Department of Transportation had previously warned cities across the state that rainbow crosswalks must be removed, or they risk losing transportation funding. This directive has raised concerns among community members and activists who view it as an attack on LGBTQ+ rights.
In response to the backlash, DeSantis defended his actions, stating, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” His comments were echoed by supporters online, who praised the decision to remove what they viewed as politically motivated symbols from public spaces.
Following the removal, some community members took it upon themselves to repaint the rainbow colors on the crosswalk, demonstrating their commitment to the memorial and the LGBTQ+ community.
The debate over the crosswalk highlights the ongoing tensions in Florida regarding LGBTQ+ rights and the use of public spaces for political expression. While some residents support DeSantis’s stance, others see the removal as a disregard for the memories of those lost in the Pulse tragedy and a setback for the LGBTQ+ community.
