TAMPA, Fla. — A new Pride organization is taking over in Tampa and planning to host events in 2026.
What You Need To Know
Pride of Tampa is hosting its first event in early March at 1920 Ybor
It is also organizing a festival in late March at the Cuban Club
The organization hopes to give the Tampa Bay community spaces to celebrate Pride
It’s called Pride of Tampa.
Board member Peggy Farrell said their organization was formed in September in response to Tampa Pride announcing it was taking a year-long hiatus.
“Pride doesn’t take a hiatus, and now more than ever, the LGBTQ+ community really needs a Pride event of some kind,” she said.
Their first event will be “Taste of Pride” hosted at 1920 Ybor.
The venue’s general manager, Rachel Miele, said they’re thrilled to be a part of this first step.
“Everyone has a voice and a place they feel safe, and if I can be a part of that, and 1920 can be a part of that, then that’s all I’ve ever asked for,” she said.
Taste of Pride will be in early March, followed by a festival near the end of March at the Cuban Club.
While neither of their planned events is going to be as big as the Tampa Pride parade of past years, Farrell said they hope this still gives the community the Pride celebrations they deserve.
“We’re doing what we can in the time we have, and we’re working really hard, she said. “Hopefully, we can work back toward a parade at some point, but we are here to stay.”