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Florida Officials Remove Rainbow Crosswalk, Sparking Outrage

8/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Florida officials removed a rainbow crosswalk honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, causing community outrage.
State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith noted that citizens repainted it, but officials removed it again.
Critics, including Orlando's mayor, labeled the removal as politically motivated and disrespectful.
Protests ensued, with community members leaving supportive messages for the memorial.

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Story summary

Florida officials removed a rainbow crosswalk honoring the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, causing community outrage.
State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith noted that citizens repainted it, but officials removed it again.
Critics, including Orlando's mayor, labeled the removal as politically motivated and disrespectful.
Protests ensued, with community members leaving supportive messages for the memorial.