Organizers say this year’s St. Pete Pride Parade may have drawn its largest crowd yet as uncertainty looms over future funding.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Thousands of people lined the streets of downtown St. Petersburg on Saturday evening for the 24th annual St. Pete Pride Parade, with organizers estimating attendance reached into the hundreds of thousands.
The parade began at Albert Whitted Park just after 6 p.m. and traveled along Bayshore Drive before ending at Vinoy Park, filling the waterfront with rainbow flags, music and celebration.
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“We work 11 months out of the year for this very moment right now,” said Dr. Byron Green-Calisch with St. Pete Pride.
Organizers expected attendance to surpass previous years, in part because Tampa Pride was canceled earlier this year. Organizers of that event cited funding challenges and the current political climate.
For many attendees, the event was about more than just the parade.
“The energy is amazing, such a good time,” Dawn Cefal said.
“It’s a very accepting community. I just love coming every Pride Month,” Kayce Clause added.
Others said the event served as a reminder of the importance of gathering together.
“It’s such a sense of excitement and freedom, and considering what our country is going through we’re just so happy we have our rights to do this,” said Duane Shepard.
While this year’s parade drew what organizers described as record crowds, they are already preparing for potential challenges ahead.
Beginning Jan. 1, a new Florida law limits local governments from funding or supporting initiatives tied to diversity, equity and inclusion. Organizers say those changes could affect future Pride celebrations.
Still, they remain optimistic after seeing the community’s response this weekend.
“To make sure we have Pride, especially when so many others are under attack, really does mean the world to me,” Green-Calisch said.
St. Pete Pride concludes Sunday with a street festival along Central Avenue from noon until 5 p.m.