Orlando Seeks Florida Approval to Restore Pulse Memorial Crosswalk

The City of Orlando has formally requested permission from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to restore the rainbow-colored crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub, which commemorates the 49 victims of the 2016 shooting. The crosswalk, originally installed in 2017 with FDOT approval and funding, was painted over last month following new state and federal policies prohibiting roadways from being used for social or political expressions. Orlando officials, including Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan, argue the design is a non-political memorial and have filed exception requests to reverse the removal, while protesters have repeatedly tried to restore the colors with chalk despite arrests by law enforcement. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue maintain that uniform safety standards require such pavement markings to be removed, emphasizing support for a permanent memorial but opposing the crosswalk art. This dispute has sparked debate over public memorials, the enforcement of state property laws, and the appropriateness of chalk art as protest. The city remains committed to honoring the Pulse victims and hopes to have the rainbow crosswalk restored as part of the broader memorial efforts.