Florida state mandates removal of rainbow crosswalks from cities

In the United States, particularly in Florida, cities have been confronted with a new state law mandating the elimination of rainbow-painted crosswalks. This is a direct response to a letter issued by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which cited these crosswalks as violations of traffic control device standards. Key West, for instance, has been given a deadline of September 3, 2025, to comply, with threats of funding cuts for non-compliance. Fort Lauderdale is also preparing for scrutiny from the FDOT regarding its colorful street designs, which local officials argue enhance safety by drawing attention to intersections. Meanwhile, other cities like Wilton Manors and Miami Beach await their own responses from the state, as the situation evolves with ongoing discussions about compliance and artistic expression in public spaces. Administrators are left grappling with balancing safety regulations while representing their communities. In another grim development, the rainbow crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando has been painted over by state officials. This crosswalk was established as a memorial for the 49 victims of the nightclub shooting in 2016, highlighting the tension between state policies and local expressions of remembrance and solidarity. Despite its removal, city officials remain committed to honoring the lost lives, stating that the erasure of the crosswalk does not equate to the erasure of their memory. The FDOT's mandate has spurred vehement reactions, labeling the actions as politically motivated and a betrayal of the LGBTQ+ community.