Overview

• FDOT crews early Sunday repainted the Pulse intersection back to standard markings for a second time after supporters restored color, as Florida Highway Patrol and Orlando Police officers monitored the site.
• The rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse, installed in 2017 as part of the memorial to 49 victims, was first painted over overnight without public notice, drawing sharp condemnation from city leaders and advocates.
• In a letter Thursday, FDOT told Orlando at least 18 other decorative crosswalks and markings must be removed by Sept. 4, warning of withheld transportation funds and state-led removal with costs billed to the city.
• Florida’s actions follow a July directive from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urging states to eliminate non‑standard or political pavement markings, with Gov. Ron DeSantis saying roads will not be used for political purposes.
• Supporters have repeatedly reapplied rainbow colors with chalk and paint as officials dispute safety claims and process, with FDOT describing the enforcement as procedural and pointing to plans for a separate permanent memorial nearby.