ORLANDO, Fla. – Town of Orlando is contemplating authorized motion after the Florida Division of Transportation repainted a rainbow-colored crosswalk close to the Pulse Memorial late Wednesday evening, bringing it into compliance with up to date state and federal laws.
By Thursday morning, the intersection at Orange Avenue and Esther Avenue had been eliminated to straightforward black-and-white striping in accordance with the Guide on Uniform Management Units, also referred to as MUTCD.
Metropolis spokesperson Ashley Papagni confirmed to Florida’s Voice on Friday that “Town is discussing all of its choices.”
The Florida Division of Transportation offered a press release as nicely in regards to the problem of murals on the roadway, explaining the transfer as a part of a broader effort to implement uniform site visitors management requirements beneath a federal security initiative often known as Secure Arterials for Everybody via Dependable Operations and Distraction-Decreasing Methods, or SAFE ROADS.
“Because the state freeway division, it’s the obligation of the Florida Division of Transportation (FDOT) to make sure the protection and consistency of public roadways and transportation techniques,” the assertion reads. “Meaning guaranteeing our roadways aren’t utilized for social, political, or ideological pursuits.”
The transfer sparked reactions on social media with one lawmaker promising to battle.
WATCH: State Sen. Carlos G. Smith fumes after studying @GovRonDeSantis administration’s @MyFDOT painted over and eliminated the LGBTQ delight crosswalk in Orlando
“In the midst of the evening, ripped the rainbow colours off of this metropolis sidewalk. They illegally vandalized metropolis… pic.twitter.com/mVBmK0nKKN
— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) August 21, 2025
FDOT mentioned the replace to the MUTCD was accomplished earlier this yr following enter from state and native businesses. In June, native governments had been notified in regards to the new necessities and had been knowledgeable that state funds may very well be withheld for noncompliance.
“That features road artwork beforehand put in on state-maintained proper of manner, such because the intersection of Orange Avenue in query,” FDOT famous.
The company added that efforts are underway to construct a everlasting memorial to honor victims of the Pulse nightclub mass capturing.
“Transportation infrastructure is for the motion of individuals and items. On this case, whereas the crosswalk has been restored to its correct type, native efforts are underway to assemble a everlasting memorial on adjoining properties funded by the State of Florida.
