This is about more than crosswalks
Two weeks ago, had I taken a bucket of black paint and showed up at 2 a.m. to start applying it at the crosswalk of Esther Street and S. Orange Ave., I would have hopefully been issued a citation for vandalism. Now who’s the vandal?
Rainbow crosswalk outside Pulse nightclub removed overnight
We should almost thank the DOT for this absurd effort to suppress the will of the people in this way. Not every suppression is as petty as a sidewalk paint job. Maybe this attack on members of our community — a community that was once so warmly supported by all of Orlando — can serve as a wake-up call. Whether it is the detention of legal residents who may be sent to an illegal detention center, or use of taxpayer funds to influence ballot initiatives, or more overtly influence results of the next federal election, Floridians need to understand we are heading for a loss of a lot more than a colorful crosswalk.
Dennis Tierney Belle Isle
Which messages are political?
Erasing rainbow crosswalks and taking down rainbow flags throughout the state will not erase the progress our nation has made to finally recognize and embrace members of the LGBTQ community.
By ordering the removal of rainbows, our governor is sending a message of hate. By displaying rainbows, communities throughout the state are sending a message of love and acceptance.
However, responding to posts on social media regarding rainbow crosswalks, Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote, “We will not allow our state roads to be commandeered for political purposes.”
With that statement in mind, I wonder why the DeSantis administration turns a blind eye to the hundreds of anti-abortion billboards cluttering Florida’s beautiful landscape. I would argue that the billboards are blatantly political and clearly pose a safety risk.
Trying to read the message below a partially formed fetus while driving is far more dangerous than driving over a colorful intersection.
Violet Irminger Mount Dora
Pulse gets too much attention
Has the Sentinel ever realized the amount of print devoted to Pulse over the last five years? I don’t think an edition has gone by without something being noted about the event (which was dastardly), planning and fundraising for a memorial, and what’s the result? $5 million has been raised and you’re worried about a sidewalk being repainted? Come on.
Don Duenes Orlando
Why are state troopers watching crosswalk?
Whoa! Our governor has the Florida Highway Patrol standing by in Orlando to insure no locals color a pedestrian crosswalk markings in honor of a local disastrous event. Step back and consider the actual priorities of Florida citizens. Regardless of one’s political views, we must acknowledge there is a major problem in our state government’s priorities conflicting with those of Florida residents.
Bob Michaels Apopka
Other crosswalks affected, too
Ron DeSantis, who seems intent on punishing Orlando for being Orlando, can explain to my granddaughters, ages 2 and 4, why the beautiful aqua-colored crosswalk at Rosalind and Jackson that keeps them safe as they walk to church each Sunday has to go (“After painting over Pulse rainbow, Florida tells Orlando to remove 18 more crosswalks”). He can then explain to me why the green bike lane makers on Anderson that keep me safe while biking need to go, even though his transportation department installed identical green bike lanes on Conway.
Scott Bassett Orlando
You can submit a letter to the editor by sending it by email to insight@orlandosentinel.com or by filling out the form below. Letters are limited to less than 250 words and must be signed (no pseudonyms nor initials).You must include your email address, address with city and daytime phone number for verification. Letters are subject to editing for clarity and length.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/26/letters-readers-react-to-rainbow-crosswalk-removal/
