Summary
The Florida Department of Transportation painted over a rainbow crosswalk that honored the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando. The crosswalk was part of a memorial for the 49 people killed in the shooting. Florida officials say they are removing such crosswalks from state roads to avoid political use.
Key Facts
- Florida's Department of Transportation removed a rainbow crosswalk in Orlando.
- The crosswalk was a tribute to the victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting.
- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith criticized the removal, calling it politically motivated.
- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis supported the removal, stating state roads should not be used for political purposes.
- In 2023, the Florida transportation agency warned cities they could lose funds if they kept rainbow crosswalks.
- The agency noted that crosswalks with social, political, or ideological messages are not allowed.
- U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also urged states to remove political statements from roads.
