Rainbow Crosswalk Commemorating Pulse Nightclub Victims Painted Over by Florida State

In a surprising move that sparked controversy, the state painted over the rainbow crosswalk located outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, a tribute to the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting. Mayor Buddy Dyer expressed his devastation over the action, stating on social media that although the physical memorial has been removed, Orlando’s commitment to remembering those lost will not fade. He characterized the decision as a "callous action" taken without public discussion or safety justification, noting that the crosswalk, established in 2017, met safety regulations and had been put in place by the state itself.

Echoing Dyer's sentiments, Florida State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith described the removal of the crosswalk as a "disgusting act of betrayal," sharing images of individuals coloring over the new paint with chalk. The local LGBTQ+ community was also vocal about their feelings on social media, with Pulse survivor Brandon Wolf recalling the night of the massacre and expressing his outrage at the state's actions, which he viewed as an attempt to erase a symbol of solidarity.

In the backdrop of these events, the Florida Department of Transportation informed various cities, including Delray Beach and Key West, that they must eliminate rainbow-themed crosswalks or face potential funding repercussions. A memo from the department clearly prohibits "surface art" that conveys social or political messages, insisting these areas be focused solely on traffic safety. This directive aligns with a broader statement from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging states to keep intersections free from distractions.

The tragic shooting at Pulse occurred on June 12, 2016, when a gunman opened fire, resulting in 49 fatalities and 53 injuries. In a bid to preserve the memory of those lost, city officials have plans to replace the nightclub with a permanent memorial, following a recent tour of the premises by victims' families and survivors. Mayor Dyer reiterated the importance of the crosswalk, highlighting that it not only improved safety for visitors but also stood as a poignant reminder of the city's vow to honor the lives taken during the tragedy.