ORLANDO, Fla. – Some of the crosswalks painted over by Florida Department of Transportation last year, a move sparking controversy across Orlando, are now starting to fade.
In 2025, the state covered several decorative crosswalks, including the rainbow crosswalk near the former Pulse Nightclub, after U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to all 50 governors urging them to keep intersections free of political messages, artwork, or markings not directly tied to pedestrian or driver safety.
Now, as the black paint peels and chips away along Anderson Street and Orange Avenue, some residents are questioning whether repainting the crosswalks was worth it, including Leo Hijikata,
[BELOW: Seminole County’s green crosswalks go black amid Florida crackdown]
“I can sense the frustration when the state comes in and does what they want without our consent,” Hijikata said, referring to the crosswalks near Anderson Street.
He added that he did not find the artwork distracting and believes that if the state required the change, it should also maintain the crosswalks.
“It would be nice if every city had their own sense of autonomy,” he said.
[BELOW: Rainbow crosswalk near Pulse Nightclub in Orlando removed]
A News 6 investigation previously revealed that crews in Seminole County went to Sherwin-Williams to quickly comply with the state’s order to remove what federal officials described as “distracting” road art.
We reached out to the city of Orlando with several questions, including who’s responsible for the upkeep.
Officials said the roadways fall under state jurisdiction.
News 6 reached out to FDOT for comment last month and again this Wednesday, but has yet to receive a response.