ORLANDO, Fla. – A rainbow-painted crosswalk outside the Pulse memorial could be in jeopardy after a new directive from the Trump administration calls for the removal of what it says is “distracting” roadway art.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to all 50 governors this week, urging them to keep intersections free of political messages, artwork and any markings not directly tied to pedestrian or driver safety.
“Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks,” Duffy said in a public statement posted to social media. “Political banners have no place on public roads.”
The crosswalk, located along Orange Avenue at the site of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, was installed in 2017 as a tribute to the 49 lives lost and to symbolize inclusion and LGBTQ pride.
It’s also a featured element in the design of the future permanent Pulse memorial, which recently received $400,000 in state funding.
Many locals say the crosswalk is far from a distraction.
“I don’t think it’s distracting at all,” said one Orlando resident. “It’s good there’s a memorial for the 49 victims. I think it serves a purpose.”
“I believe the crosswalks aren’t even close to being a distraction,” added another. “If anything, they help make crosswalks more visible to drivers.”
[BELOW: Rainbow emerges during Pulse remembrance ceremony]
Those in opposition to the artwork declined to speak on camera.
City officials say they are currently reviewing the federal guidelines, along with a related memo issued by the Florida Department of Transportation.
[READ: ‘Felt this heaviness:’ A look inside Pulse shooting site]
The FDOT memo emphasizes that all surface markings must serve a functional, safety-related purpose and warns that local agencies could risk losing state funding if not in compliance.
For now, the rainbow crosswalk remains in place, but the debate over its future is just beginning.
[VIDEO BELOW: Site visits continue inside Pulse]