Governor Ron DeSantis has turned Florida’s roads into the latest stage for political theater, and now, Universal Orlando Resort could find itself entangled in the controversy. Decorative roadways near the theme park may soon be deemed non-compliant under the state’s recent crackdown.
The uproar began last month when Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) crews painted over the rainbow crosswalk at Esther Street and Orange Avenue in Orlando. The crosswalk served as a tribute to the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, and the decision to remove it prompted immediate backlash.
In response, locals tried to restore the tribute with rainbow-colored chalk, only to have it washed away. Activists then returned with paint, which led FDOT to install a sign cautioning pedestrians not to block traffic or alter the walkway. Governor DeSantis defended the removal, pointing to SB 1662, which became law on July 1.
“The Florida Legislature passed a law that was very clear, that I signed into law: We’re not doing the commandeering of the roads to put up messaging,” DeSantis argued.
But critics argue that DeSantis is overreaching. State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, who voted for SB 1662, noted that the legislation does not explicitly require repainting crosswalks.
“[DeSantis] was not required to do this,” Sen. Smith told the Tallahassee Democrat. “He was not enforcing a new law… The law has generally required uniformity in crosswalks – with FDOT exceptions – since the ’70s. … He invented an excuse to punish LGBT visibility and draw attention to himself, and now it’s costing taxpayers millions.”
As FDOT continues repainting modified crosswalks and roads throughout Florida, Universal Orlando Resort may be the next location under scrutiny. Photos from theme park aerial photographer @bioreconstruct on X (formerly known as Twitter) show decorative designs near the resort’s entrances that could fall afoul of the new restrictions:
Seems like pavement near Universal Orlando is now illegal due to recent changes in Florida law.
• There are 3 intersections with swirl patterns.
• Also 4 roads with bar patterns.
• Streets are owned/maintained by the City of Orlando.
It’s unclear whether FDOT will act on these roads, but their non-standard designs put them at risk. Guests may soon notice some changes on their way to Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure, Universal Epic Universe, Universal CityWalk, and Volcano Bay.
What do you think about the pavement laws in Florida? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
