Here’s a breakdown of the CNN article excerpt, summarizing the key information:
Colorful Crosswalk Removed: The colorful crosswalk near the Pulse nightclub memorial in Orlando, Florida, has been removed.
State Action: The removal was directed by the Florida Department of Transportation.
Safety Standards: The crosswalk was originally installed in 2017 and met national safety standards. It was intended to increase visibility for visitors to the memorial.
Recent Anniversary: The removal occurred just two months after the ninth anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting (June 12, 2016), which was the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history at the time.
Broader Trend: This removal is part of a larger pattern of the state and Trump administration directing the painting over of “asphalt art,” including rainbow crosswalks.
CNN Seeking comment: CNN has contacted the Florida Department of Transportation for a statement.
The article highlights the sensitivity surrounding the removal, given the memorial’s significance and the recent anniversary of the tragedy. It also points to a potential political motivation behind the action,linking it to broader efforts to remove similar displays.
