ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Some of the crosswalks painted over by Florida Department of Transportation last year, a move sparking controversy across Orlando, are now starting to fade. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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, <\/p>\n
[BELOW: Seminole County\u2019s green crosswalks go black amid Florida crackdown]<\/p>\n
\u201cI can sense the frustration when the state comes in and does what they want without our consent,\u201d Hijikata said, referring to the crosswalks near Anderson Street. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt would be nice if every city had their own sense of autonomy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
[BELOW: Rainbow crosswalk near Pulse Nightclub in Orlando removed]<\/p>\n
A News 6 investigation previously revealed that crews in Seminole County went to Sherwin-Williams to quickly comply with the state\u2019s order to remove what federal officials described as \u201cdistracting\u201d road art.<\/p>\n
We reached out to the city of Orlando with several questions, including who\u2019s responsible for the upkeep.<\/p>\n
Officials said the roadways fall under state jurisdiction. <\/p>\n
News 6 reached out to FDOT for comment last month and again this Wednesday, but has yet to receive a response.<\/p>\n
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