This browser does not support the Video element.
Defiant protesters repaint Pulse Memorial crosswalk in rainbow colors
Protesters returned to the Pulse Memorial crosswalk in downtown Orlando on Friday after state crews painted over the rainbow-colored markings, sparking renewed outrage from LGBTQ+ advocates and residents.
ORLANDO, Fla. - Protesters returned to the Pulse Memorial crosswalk in downtown Orlando this week after state crews painted over the rainbow-colored markings, sparking renewed outrage from LGBTQ+ advocates and local residents.
Memorial or political messaging?
What we know:
Volunteers repainted the crosswalk, drawing support from passing motorists.
The rainbow crosswalk was originally installed in 2017, a year after the Pulse nightclub shooting that killed 49 people, and had stood for eight years with city and county approval. City leaders and Pulse nightclub survivors see this crosswalk as a memorial to those killed on June 12, 2016.
The crosswalk is parallel to Orange Ave. (a state road) and actually crosses over Esther St. (a city road), but state officials contend that the crosswalk is part of the intersection that is maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX LOCAL APP
The crosswalk was covered earlier this week by FDOT in overnight hours, citing 2025 design guidelines that require standardized crosswalk colors and discourage political messaging. State officials said they warned local officials around the state of their intentions, but the timing of the action by the FDOT came as a surprise to Orlando leaders.
The move has reignited tensions over LGBTQ+ visibility and civil disobedience in the state.
What we don't know:
It remains uncertain whether the state will repaint the crosswalk again or what legal consequences, if any, protesters might face. The long-term impact of the crosswalk dispute on the permanent Pulse Memorial, scheduled for construction in June 2027, is also unclear.
Big picture view:
Organizers framed their repainting as a stand against what they call attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, while city leaders and survivors hope the site remains a lasting memorial to the Pulse victims. Federal and state authorities have argued that this is primarily a safety issue but also that public land should not be used for any modifications that could be construed as political in nature.
‘Sick of the fascism’
What they're saying:
Organizers say their actions are a statement against what they call growing attacks on the LGBTQ+ community in Florida.
"We’re sick of the fascism that is trying to destroy our LGBTQ+ community in Florida," said Jen Cousins, one of the organizers. "This is Pulse. This is a very sacred site … we said, ‘No, we’re not going to let that happen!'"
Cousins added that she was aware of possible repercussions but was prepared to accept them, emphasizing the role of civil disobedience in standing up to what they see as injustice.
"Orlando isn't going to put up with this, right? … Our city is all about love," Cousins added. "We're not going to let this happen. We're not going to let hate live here."
Pulse survivors and local supporters expressed relief at the renewed rainbow display, but some fear the state could repaint the crosswalk again.
Officials argue painted crosswalks are distracting, political
The other side:
Recently, United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called for the removal of certain crosswalk designs the administration deems politically charged and distracting. Duffy said the designs are distracting to drivers and detract from the core mission of driver and pedestrian safety.
"Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork," Duffy said.
DeSantis shared his thoughts in a post on X on Thursday, posting, "We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes."
FOX 35 News reached out to FDOT for a comment and we received this response:
"As the state highway department, it is the duty of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure the safety and consistency of public roadways and transportation systems. That means ensuring our roadways are not utilized for social, political, or ideological interests.
"Earlier this year, the Department completed a months-long process of updating the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with input from representatives of state and local governments. This update included a prohibition on non-uniform traffic control devices, such as pavement markings on state and local roads.
"In June, FDOT notified all local governments of these updates and revised provisions of Florida Statutes that give the Department authority to withhold state funds for noncompliance. This was followed by similar policy updates from USDOT Secretary Duffy.
"Last week, local governments not in compliance for local roads began receiving notifications to bring their roadways up to state standards to ensure locals govern themselves accordingly.
"In addition to ensuring all local governments comply, FDOT completed a review of all state-maintained roadways and is now correcting pavement markings not in compliance. That includes street art previously installed on state right of way, such as the intersection of Orange Avenue in question.
"Transportation infrastructure is for the movement of people and goods. In this case, while the crosswalk has been restored to its proper form, local efforts are underway to construct a permanent memorial on adjacent properties funded by the State of Florida. Any attempt to suggest otherwise is false."
Dig deeper:
This browser does not support the Video element.
At least 18 other decorative crosswalks not in FDOT compliance
A rainbow-colored sidewalk near the Pulse nightclub memorial was painted over this week by the Florida Department of Transportation, sparking frustration among survivors and renewed protests in Orlando. The FDOT stated that the crosswalk was out of compliance with its 2025 design standards and has directed officials to correct at least 18 other decorative crosswalks or intersections by September 4.
The Pulse Memorial crosswalk is not the only crosswalk in Orlando that FDOT has identified as noncompliant. FDOT has directed the city to correct at least 18 other decorative crosswalks or intersections by Sept. 4. Those are listed below:
- S. Rosalind Ave at E. Jackson St – (Crosswalk)
- Church St at S. Rosalind Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Magnolia Ave at E. Concord St – (Crosswalk)
- Orange Ave at Concord St – (Crosswalk)
- N. Orange Ave at E. Central Blvd – (Paver intersection)
- S. Orange Ave at E. Pine St – (Paver intersection)
- S. Orange Ave at Church St – (Paver intersection)
- Summerlin Ave at Washington St – (Crosswalk)
- Amelia St at N. Hughey Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Amelia St at Ronald Blocker Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Amelia St at Chatham Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Amelia St at Putnam Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Livingston St at N. Hughey Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Central Blvd at N. Eola Dr – (Crosswalk)
- W. Kaley Ave at S. Division Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Corrine Dr at East End Ave – (Crosswalk)
- Laureate Blvd at Benavente Ave – (Bike Symbol)
- Laureate Blvd at Kellog Ave – (Bike Symbol)
What's next:
City leaders have confirmed plans for a permanent Pulse Memorial, with construction expected to begin in June 2027. Survivors hope the memorial will remain intact and reflect the significance of the site.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Pulse Memorial update: New timeline on project released
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer hopes to have the city's Pulse Memorial built by summer 2027 -- a deadline two years away. On Monday, the Orlando City Commission approved a builder for the project. The Pulse Memorial is dedicated to the 49 people killed, 53 others hurt at the deadly shooting at Pulse Nightclub. Building a memorial has been years in the making, but was marred with funding and other issues with the onePulse foundation. That organization was eventually dissolved and the City of Orlando has since stepped in.
SIGN-UP FOR FOX 35'S BREAKING NEWS, DAILY NEWS NEWSLETTERS
The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Florida Department of Transportation, social media accounts of Gov. Ron DeSantis, and statements by Jen Cousins.