Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) is standing firm in his decision to remove the rainbow-themed crosswalk outside Orlando’s Pulse nightclub, pushing back against leftist outrage and defending the state's commitment to safety over political messaging. The controversial decision, which has sparked fury from LGBTQ activists and local Democrats, reflects DeSantis's broader vision for a state government that prioritizes public safety and keeps state roads free from political agendas.
The crosswalk, located outside Pulse nightclub—where 49 people were tragically murdered in a 2016 terrorist attack—was painted over this week by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as part of the state's ongoing initiative to keep roads distraction-free. The removal follows a series of actions by DeSantis and the Florida GOP aimed at reducing unnecessary distractions that could jeopardize public safety.
In a clear message to critics, DeSantis stated that “we will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.” His response was a direct challenge to left-wing activists, who have aggressively opposed the removal, calling it an affront to the LGBTQ community and an insult to the memory of those who lost their lives in the horrific 2016 shooting.
We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes. https://t.co/AXY1qxsZNW
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) August 21, 2025
The removal is part of a broader policy backed by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who issued a memo earlier this year outlining the importance of keeping roads, intersections, and crosswalks clear of any non-essential markings or messages that could distract drivers. The SAFE ROADS initiative, as it’s known, urges states to participate in ensuring that traffic control devices, including crosswalk markings, are standardized and safety-oriented. The policy is designed to reduce confusion and improve road safety, aligning with DeSantis’ focus on keeping Florida’s infrastructure in service of public well-being, not political posturing.
“This is about safety and operation at intersections, keeping the right-of-way free from distractions,” Duffy said in the memo. “Far too many Americans die each year to traffic fatalities. Our focus must remain on making roads safer and easier to navigate, not using them for political statements.”
Despite the clear safety rationale behind the decision, left-wing activists have reacted with fury. State Senator Carlos G. Smith, a Democrat from Orlando, called the move “an act of vandalism” and accused the DeSantis administration of “insulting the families and survivors” of the Pulse tragedy. Smith even suggested that the city of Orlando should “sue the state of Florida for vandalizing their property without their consent,” reflecting the increasingly radical rhetoric from Democrats on the issue.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, also a Democrat, joined in the condemnation, claiming that the rainbow crosswalk “enhanced safety and visibility” and lamenting its removal as a blow to the community.
“Roads are for safety, not political messages or artwork,” Duffy reiterated in a statement earlier this summer. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many Floridians who value effective governance over divisive identity politics.
For DeSantis, this isn’t just about a single crosswalk; it’s part of a larger push to keep Florida free from the kind of political activism that increasingly invades public spaces in cities controlled by left-wing politicians. By prioritizing safety over symbolism, DeSantis is making it clear that state roads will not be used as platforms for political messages—especially in a time when road safety is more critical than ever.
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