Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has ordered that state roads containing political messaging, such as LGBT content, be painted over.
The move was condemned by Florida Democrats.
“They did this in the middle of the night because they were scared of the resistance because they know what they did was wrong,” Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith said in a statement.
“We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes,” DeSantis said in response.
“The rainbow crosswalk was APPROVED by FDOT years ago to honor the 49 + enhance pedestrian safety for those who come to pay their respects. You looked survivors in the eye + promised they would never be forgotten– then betrayed them for political ambition. They won’t be erased,” the senator asserted. “You looked survivors in the eye + promised they would never be forgotten– then betrayed them for political ambition.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer similarly condemned the decision to change the crosswalk. “We are devastated to learn that overnight the state painted over the Pulse Memorial crosswalk on Orange Avenue. 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,” he stated.
DeSantis’ decision follows Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy writing to all U.S. governors, as well as the mayor of Washington, D.C., and the governor of Puerto Rico, demanding that they take action to remove political messages found on crosswalks and other roads.
“The SAFE ROADS national initiative will focus on the non-freeway arterials within your State, including safety and operation at intersections and along segments, 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,” the letter read.
