What this is
Learn how creative community action can transform private spaces into powerful symbols of inclusion and pride in our neighborhoods.
In August 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordered the removal of about 400 rainbow crosswalks and Pride murals across our state. The crosswalks had all been approved when they were first painted, but new rules forced cities to remove them or lose state funding.
The policy hit close to home when officials painted over a rainbow crosswalk outside Orlando's Pulse nightclub, where 49 people were killed in 2016. Our community members quickly repainted the tribute themselves. Many cities tried to keep their colorful crosswalks, but most gave in under pressure from the state.
Trina Gregory, owner of Se7enbites restaurant in Orlando, found a creative way to fight back. She called for an event named "Parking Spaces for Pride: A Rainbow Connection" on her restaurant's private property. Over 1,000 people showed interest in the event, which included music, food trucks, and donations for locals in need.
Because the artwork sits on private property, it cannot be removed under state transportation rules. Gregory plans to make this an annual event, cycling in new murals each year. Her efforts earned her a nomination for the Orlando Sentinel's Central Floridian of the Year award.
Read full text
Our community painted exactly 49 parking spaces with rainbow murals - one for each life lost at Pulse. Artist Kelso created one mural with a rainbow stripe for each victim. Gregory said the project was about more than remembrance. "I was thinking about joy, about bringing joy back," she told the Orlando Sentinel.
Key details
- Crosswalks removed: 400
- Pulse victims: 49
- Parking spaces: 49
- Event interest: 1,000 people
- Policy date: August 2025
About Good Good Good
Good Good Good is a media company sharing good news and actionable ways to make a difference. They publish stories about people, organizations, and ideas making the world better.
Visit website →Where it reaches
This and 7 more nearby in Our Voice — tap a dot to open it.
Why it matters
This is part of Our Voice — civic life, elections, and accountability.
How to dig in
- 1Start with the snapshot above to know what this is in a glance.
- 2Read through to understand how it connects to the bigger picture.
- 3Read more using the button above.
Connections
1 connection — tap a node to open it.
By the numbers
Connections1
Nearby in Our Voice7
Led byGood Good Good
Counted from the Community Exchange connection graph.