Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce Activates in Support of Rainbow Crosswalks

The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce proudly announces its activated support for the rainbow crosswalks, amplifying their role as a powerful symbol of inclusivity, local economic impact, and tourism vitality. Now, more than ever, these crosswalks reflect the region’s commitment to welcoming not only the LGBTQ+ community, but all underrepresented businesses—including Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Veteran-Owned enterprises. As a visible marker of our spirit of belonging, the rainbow crosswalks fuel business confidence, visitor engagement, and community pride across Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors.

What the rainbow crosswalks symbolize for tourism and economic growth

A transformative beacon for visitors - The rainbow crosswalks signal Fort Lauderdale’s commitment to diversity, safety, and vibrant city life—qualities that travelers seek when planning memorable getaways. A catalyst for spend and lasting impressions - Visitors who encounter the crosswalks tend to stay longer in local districts, exploring restaurants, shops, arts venues, and attractions, generating incremental revenue across hospitality and microbusinesses. A measurable boost to destination allure - As a recognizable, shareable landmark, the crosswalks amplify word-of-mouth marketing and earned media, reinforcing Fort Lauderdale as an LGBTQ+-friendly, inclusive destination that uplifts all diverse businesses.

We mean business: #WeMeanBusinessSoFlo

The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce embraces the hashtag #WeMeanBusinessSoFlo as a rallying cry for inclusive leadership, steady job creation, and sustained economic growth that benefits all segments of our community—including Women/Minority/Veteran, and LGBTQ+-Owned businesses. The chamber’s advocacy, networking, and supplier-diversity initiatives now explicitly connect LGBTQ+, Women/Minority/Veteran, as well as allied businesses, with major opportunities in hospitality, entertainment, retail, and professional services, reinforcing a robust, resilient local economy for everyone.

Local business growth:  

• Since the rainbow crosswalks were introduced, Fort Lauderdale area businesses have reported an estimated:12–15% increase in quarterly sales across key hospitality and retail sectors.


• 6–8% rise in new business licenses and microbusiness activity in adjacent districts (e.g., beachfront corridors and Wilton Manors).


• Notable gains in foot traffic for dining, nightlife, and cultural venues within walking distance of crosswalks.
• Sebastian Street Beach (Sebastian Beach) and adjacent shoreline areas have welcomed an estimated 22% year-over-year increase in visitors in 2024, with higher average visitation duration and repeat visitation by LGBTQ+ travelers and allies. Hotel occupancy in gateway neighborhoods has shown a steady rise, with an estimated 5–7% uplift during peak weekend periods, contributing to higher overall tourism spend and extended stays. Increased spend across restaurants, bars, tour operators, and retail has supported local job growth and wage earnings in the hospitality and service sectors. Inclusive crosswalks have reinforced Greater Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as a diverse, welcoming destination that supports the prosperity of all—LGBTQ+, Women, Minority, and Veteran business owners alike—driving longer visitor lifecycles and higher per-visitor spend.

Rallies and community events to celebrate inclusivity and economic vitality:

These rallies highlight not only LGBTQ+ pride, but also the achievements and aspirations of Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Veteran-Owned businesses, showcasing the power of intersectionality in economic empowerment.

Rally Site 1: Sebastian Beach (Sebastian Street Beach), Fort Lauderdale   

Date/Time: Monday, August 25, 2025 - 6:30 PM  
  
Purpose: Community affirmation of the economic and cultural value of the rainbow crosswalks; a call to continue investing in inclusive, welcoming public spaces that support all local businesses and tourism.

Rally Site 2: Wilton Manors Rainbow Bridge    

Date/Time: Monday, August 25, 2025 - 8:00 PM  

Purpose: Solidarity celebration of regional LGBTQ+ leadership, business empowerment—and the vital role of Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Veteran-Owned enterprises in driving inclusive growth.

“Rainbows are more than colors on pavement; they are a signal to visitors and residents that Fort Lauderdale is a place where business, culture, and courage meet,” said Jason Núñez, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “Our crosswalks now stand for every entrepreneur who builds our community, whether they are LGBTQ+, women, people of color, or veterans. Inclusive, welcoming experiences translate into stronger, longer visits and more dollars circulating in our local economy.”

Event reminders for attendees:


• Dress for an early evening outdoor rally at Sebastian Beach and a later gathering at Wilton Manors Rainbow Bridge.


• Bring signs of support for inclusive economic growth across all diverse business sectors and shareable moments for social media using the hashtag #WeMeanBusinessSoFlo and related Rainbow Crosswalks tags.


• Photos and interviews available with chamber leadership and local business owners on-site.
• About the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce  The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce champions LGBTQ+, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Veteran-Owned business growth, workforce development, and inclusive policy advocacy. We connect diverse-owned businesses with procurement opportunities, provide professional development and networking for our members, and support a thriving, equitable economy that benefits all residents and visitors.