The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), under orders from Governor Ron DeSantis' administration, has removed and painted over the rainbow-colored crosswalk outside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, a memorial honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 mass shooting. The removal occurred overnight without prior warning, drawing condemnation from Orlando officials, including Mayor Buddy Dyer, who described the action as a "cruel political act." State directives have also been issued to other cities, including Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Delray Beach, St. Petersburg, and Gainesville, mandating the removal of similar LGBTQ pride rainbow crosswalks by early September. The state has cited new regulations banning "asphalt art" as the rationale for these removals. Local leaders and LGBTQ advocates have criticized the move as an attack on LGBTQ visibility and rights, with some officials considering legal action. In response, residents and activists in Orlando have repeatedly repainted the crosswalk, prompting FDOT to dispatch law enforcement to prevent further restoration efforts. The controversy has sparked protests and ongoing debates about the state's approach to LGBTQ symbols and memorials. Miami Beach commissioners have vowed to fight the removal orders, emphasizing the importance of maintaining such symbols. The situation continues to evolve as multiple cities comply with or resist the state's directives.