PRESS RELEASE: Harmon Collective Paints Rainbow Ramp in Solidarity After Pulse Crosswalk Erased

WINTER PARK, FL – As Florida officials move to erase rainbow crosswalks and public artwork tied to diversity and inclusion, local business owners are sending a different message: Central Florida remains a community of love and respect for all.

This week, Clarissa and Casey Detzel, co-owners of The Harmon Collective in Winter Park, transformed the ramp to the iconic former Lombardi’s Seafood building into a vibrant rainbow walkway. The project is a symbol of inclusivity, solidarity with the LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities and a direct response to the recent removal of Orlando’s iconic Pulse crosswalk. 

The Florida Department of Transportation, at the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, is also targeting other Florida cities which have a history and philosophy of welcoming diversity and expressions of inclusivity; most notably Key West. There, the motto is “One Human Family,” and the island’s iconic rainbow crosswalks have long stood as a reflection of Key West’s spirit of freedom, self-expression and the value of all people. Key West officials were told they have until September 1 to paint over the crosswalks, or FDOT will. 

Harmon Collective wants its expression of diversity, equality and inclusion to be clear and visible as the state attempts to erase public acknowledgement of commonality and community.

“We hope this sends the message that no matter what gets painted over, the Central Florida community will remain one of inclusion and love, and supports the efforts of all the cities across Florida who are fighting to retain freedom and humanity,” said Clarissa Detzel.

Their statement follows a call to action from Se7enbites owner Trina Gregory, who invited local artists to cover her parking lot with murals on September 15. 

“This is about more than paint,” said Casey Detzel. “It’s about making sure everyone who comes through our doors knows they’re safe, they’re seen, and they belong. Expression of diversity, equality and inclusion is our community at its best. We will not be silent in this time of great challenges to these fundamental core values.”

Photos and video of the newly painted rainbow ramp at The Harmon Collective

On-site interviews with Clarissa and Casey Detzel

Harmon Collective is a creative warehouse space in Winter Park that combines botanical and home décor shop Kiwi & Fern, Black Phin Coffee, and All Inclusive CrossFit. Founded by Clarissa and Casey Detzel, the Collective serves as a hub for community connection, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity.