Florida Removes Rainbow Crosswalk at Pulse Memorial Site, Sparking Outcry
Florida transportation workers removed a rainbow crosswalk near Orlando's Pulse nightclub, a memorial for 2016 shooting victims, citing a state memo against "surface art." City officials condemned the "callous" act.
Overview
- Florida transportation workers recently removed a rainbow crosswalk located near the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, a significant memorial site for the 2016 mass shooting victims.
- The removal was executed in response to a Florida Department of Transportation memo that prohibits "surface art" on crosswalks, specifically those conveying social or political messages.
- The rainbow crosswalk, installed by the state in 2017, was a vital and recognized part of the memorial honoring the 49 victims of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting.
- Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other city officials strongly condemned the action, labeling it a "callous" and "cruel political act" that desecrates the victims' memorial.
- The incident highlights an ongoing political dispute between officials like Eskamani and DeSantis regarding state agencies' alleged use for political purposes in sensitive community matters.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources collectively frame the story by emphasizing the emotional impact of removing rainbow crosswalks, particularly the Pulse memorial, and portraying the state's actions as a politically motivated attack on LGBTQ+ symbols. They highlight the "overnight" removal and give significant prominence to local officials and advocates who condemn the actions as "cruel political acts" rather than neutral enforcement.
"Efforts to remove the crosswalks are "clearly an anti-LGBTQ push on behalf of both the federal government and the copycat version from the state government," said Rand Hoch, founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council."
ABC News"Efforts to remove the crosswalks are “clearly an anti-LGBTQ push on behalf of both the federal government and the copycat version from the state government,” said Rand Hoch, founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council."
Associated Press"This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nation's largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety data or discussion, is a cruel political act."
USA TODAY"This callous action of hastily removing part of a memorial to what was at the time our nation's largest mass shooting, without any supporting safety or discussion, is a cruel political act."
CBS News"Orlando officials on Thursday denounced the overnight removal by Florida transportation workers of a rainbow-colored crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub where 49 people were gunned down, saying it was part of an attack on LGBTQ lives by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration."
ABC News"The removal of the crosswalk not only erased a symbol of solidarity but also sparked outrage among those who felt it disrespected the memories of the victims."
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FAQ
The rainbow crosswalk was removed in response to a Florida Department of Transportation memo that prohibits 'surface art' on crosswalks conveying social or political messages, enforcing traffic control standards.
The rainbow crosswalk, installed in 2017, served as a vital memorial honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting and symbolized Orlando's commitment to LGBTQ pride and remembrance.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other city officials condemned the removal as a 'callous' and 'cruel political act,' while protesters gathered to wave flags and draw chalk rainbows, expressing outrage and grief.
The removal reflects ongoing political disputes, with Governor Ron DeSantis' administration enforcing a ban on politically or socially themed surface art, leading to accusations of targeting LGBTQ symbols and communities.
Yes, State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith promised a new, bigger rainbow mural near the site that will be 'even bigger, queerer and more colorful,' ensuring the LGBTQ community's presence is not erased.
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