Gainesville quickly removes all rainbow-colored crosswalks from downtown

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Gainesville, Florida removed rainbow crosswalks after FDOT threatened to withhold funding.

FDOT cited the crosswalks as "distractions" that could "jeopardize safety."

City officials expressed disapproval but complied to avoid losing crucial transportation funds.

For the first time in six years, the rainbow-colored crosswalks in downtown Gainesville are no more.

City workers removed the bright cobblestone bricks this week at Northeast First Street and Northeast First Avenue near City Hall, and in front of the Hippodrome Theatre at Southeast First Street and Southeast Second Place.

Workers also painted over a rainbow-colored crosswalk at Southeast First Street next to Bo Diddley Plaza.

The rainbow-colored crosswalks were installed in support of the LGBTQ+ com