ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete Pride announced it will be canceling its scheduled June festivities due to coronavirus concerns.
The initial hope was to postpone the events to a later date, however, experts prompted the decision to cancel. They said the health and safety of the community is most important.
While I am saddened by the cancellation of this year’s St Pete Pride, I respect the decision made by the event’s organizers given the inability to plan such events in the face of this unprecedented uncertainty. Our shared focus and most important job is public safety. St Pete Pride certainly recognizes this. St Pete Pride is one of the best and biggest LGBTQ+ events in the nation and will certainly outlast any challenges that come its way. Working with St Pete Pride and other organizations and individuals in our community, we will find ways to celebrate this year’s pride month safely and collectively. I hope that all residents of St. Pete remember that while we may be separated due to COVID-19, we are never alone and that we should continue to embrace and celebrate our LGBTQ residents and allies every day for their efforts in helping the sun to shine so brightly on us here in St. Pete.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman
The St. Pete Pride 2020 sponsorships, registrations and advertisements will automatically carry forward to June 2021 Pride celebrations.
