❓WHAT HAPPENED: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) ordered the removal of a rainbow-colored crosswalk in Orlando, citing compliance with federal traffic regulations.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Gov. Ron DeSantis, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (D), and State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D).
📍WHEN & WHERE: The federal directive was issued on July 1, and the crosswalk removal took place in Orlando, Florida, last week.
💬KEY QUOTE: “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” – Ron DeSantis
🎯IMPACT: The decision sparked criticism from local Democrat officials and far-left activists, while gaining support from many Floridians.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has ordered the removal of a rainbow-colored crosswalk in Orlando, in compliance with new federal regulations. On July 1, 2025, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced new federal standards requiring “consistent and recognizable traffic control devices, including crosswalk and intersection markings, and orderly use of the right‑of‑way that is kept free from distractions.” All state governors were ordered to ensure compliance with the public safety regulations.
The move by DeSantis has enraged far-left activists and Florida Democrats, who claim the removal of the rainbow-colored crosswalk is an attack on gay rights. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer (D) called the removal “callous” and “a cruel political act,” adding, “This crosswalk not only enhanced safety and visibility for the large number of pedestrians visiting the memorial, it also served as a visual reminder of Orlando’s commitment to honor the 49 lives taken,” referring to the victims of a jihadist mass shooting at Pulse nightclub in 2016.
Meanwhile, State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith (D) argued, “They did this in the middle of the night because they were scared of the resistance, because they know what they did was wrong.”
Despite the histrionic Democrat complaints, the state transportation agency has been notifying cities around Florida that they must remove rainbow-colored crosswalks and intersections or face the withholding of transportation funds.
Gov. DeSantis defended his decision, stating, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” Some activists later rechalked the rainbow colors onto the crosswalk as a form of protest.
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