More Florida rainbow crosswalks are under threat despite huge outrage over Pulse memorial removal

More rainbow crosswalks in Florida in are under threat despite the widespread outrage that followed the recent removal of the memorial to the 49 people murdered in the Pulse nightclub attack in 2016.

The shooting at LGBTQ+ nightclub Pulse shooting was the deadliest terrorist attack in the United States since the September 11 attacks, and is the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history.

Under a new directive from president Donald Trump, city officials have been ordered to remove rainbow-coloured zebra crossing by early September or face having federal funding withheld.

The rainbow crossing honouring the 49 people killed in the shooting in Orlando in 2016 was painted over one night last week. In response, locals coloured it back in using chalk.

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Protestors in Orlando, Florida, have reinstated the rainbow crosswalk memorial outside the abandoned Pulse nightclub — just one day after it was removed under a Trump directive backed by governor Ron DeSantis. Over a hundred activists took to the crosswalk early on Friday 22 August to colour the rainbow back in using chalk.The crosswalk honours the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse sh00ting, the deadliest attack on LGBTQ+ people in U.S. history. Underneath footage of the DIY-restoration shared on social media, one commenter called Robin said: “Love that they recolored it in the daylight when it was paved over in the dark of night… light wins over darkness.” #lgbtqia #pride #florida #orlando #transrights #usnews

♬ The Champion – Lux-Inspira

But now, more similar rainbow crosswalks are set to disappear. Florida governor Ron DeSantis said the Trump administration had ordered the Department of Transportation to remove them.

“We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes,” the Republican former presidential candidate added.

Secretary of transportation Sean Duffy has given governors 60 days to identify “safety improvements”, saying: “Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork.”

‘I am outraged’

It’s been reported that the Florida Department of Transportation had a duty “to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems [and] that means ensuring our roadways are not utilised for social, political or ideological interests”.

If rainbow crosswalks were not removed, cities could face losing transportation funds, AP News reported. St Petersburg asked for an exemption for five crossing, saying they created a strong sense of community but city mayor Kenneth Welch revealed the request was turned down.

Meanwhile, Miami-Dade mayor Daniella Levine Cava said: “I am outraged by the state of Florida’s decision to forcefully remove Pride crosswalks, symbols of love, support and unity in our communities.

I am outraged by the State of Florida’s removal of Pride crosswalks—symbols of love, unity and respect.

I stand proudly with all our LGBTQ residents and allies, and will continue to build a community where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated. pic.twitter.com/nGQsHXtNaD

— Daniella Levine Cava (@MayorDaniella) August 21, 2025

“These vibrant installations are more than paint on pavement, they reflect the values we hold dear: respect, appreciation of neighbours and the fundamental right to live and love openly.”

Gay state senator Carlos Guillermo Smith called the painting over of the Pulse memorial under the cover of darkness a cowardly act.

“They did this in the middle of the night because they were scared of the resistance, they know what they did was wrong,” he said. “There will be a rainbow mural nearby that is even bigger, queerer and more colourful than they ever imagined.”

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