Orlando officials have denounced the overnight removal of a rainbow crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub site, calling it a cruel political act and an attack on LGBTQ lives. This action is part of a broader state campaign against ‘political banners’ on public roadways.
The removal was carried out by Florida transportation workers under the cover of night on August 21, 2025, outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. The crosswalk, painted in rainbow colors, was a tribute to the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting, which was the deadliest in modern U.S. history at the time and targeted an LGBTQ-friendly venue.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer led the condemnation, describing the removal as callous and politically motivated. Other officials, including city commissioners and state senators, joined in criticizing the move, with Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith labeling it a ‘disgusting act of betrayal’ and bigoted.
The Florida Department of Transportation had been notifying cities across the state for months to remove rainbow-colored crosswalks and intersections, threatening to withhold transportation funds for non-compliance. This aligns with policies from the DeSantis administration and federal efforts to eliminate ‘asphalt art’ deemed political.
The impact is significant, as the crosswalk served both as a safety feature for pedestrians visiting the memorial and as a symbol of Orlando’s commitment to honoring the victims and supporting the LGBTQ community. Its removal has sparked outrage and grief among local residents and advocates, who see it as an erasure of memory and an affront to inclusivity.
The reasons behind the removal stem from a political stance against what is perceived as ideological messaging on public infrastructure. Supporters of the action argue for neutral public spaces, while opponents view it as an attack on diversity and remembrance.
Looking ahead, this incident may lead to legal challenges, protests, and renewed advocacy for LGBTQ rights. It could also influence upcoming elections and policy debates in Florida, highlighting tensions between state and local governments over cultural and symbolic issues.