Volunteers use chalk to restore crosswalk honoring Pulse shooting victims

LGBTQ+ Community & Memorials - LGBTQ+ community members and local residents repainted a crosswalk memorializing the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting after it was painted over by state officials [1] - The crosswalk was part of a tribute to 49 people killed in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting [1] - Florida Governor Ronda Santis stated that state roads should not be used for political purposes [1] - The memorial is intended to honor those who were killed [2] Government & Policy - Republican push to remove similar crosswalks across the country [3] - Secretary of Transportation Shawn Duffy announced an initiative, stating taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks [3] - Florida Department of Transportation updated street guidelines and is correcting pavement markings not in compliance [3] - Local leaders stated the crosswalk memorial was originally made with Florida DOT approval [4] Safety & Research - A 2022 study found that streets with asphalt art saw an average 17% decrease in the crash rate [5] Community Response - Communities are rising up in resistance [5]