Tampa Pride Festival on Hold: St. Pete Pride Promises to Keep the Celebration Going Strong!
- Staff
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
According to a Facebook announcement, Tampa Pride will be putting the city’s annual Tampa Pride Festival and Diversity Parade on a one-year hiatus.
The Facebook post, which was copied from a Board of Tampa Pride letter dated Aug. 1, Tampa Pride cited political and economic difficulties in maintaining the festivities for 2026.
“The current political and economic climate, including challenges with corporate sponsorships, reductions in county, state and federal grant funding, and the discontinuation of DEI programs under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has made it increasingly difficult for our organization to sustain ongoing operations for 2026,” the post reads.
“We recognize the festival and parade’s significant financial contribution to local businesses and its vital role to our LGBTQIA+ community,” the post reads. “However, this pause is necessary for the organization to regroup, reassess our long-term strategy, and identify additional avenues of funding to secure the future stability of Tampa Pride events.”
The post also announced that Tampa Pride President Carrie West’s contract would expire on Aug. 31, 2025.
“Carrie, your remarkable dedication and unwavering service as President of Tampa Pride over the past 12 years have been deeply valued,” the post read. “The Board, Directors, committee members, and the community are profoundly grateful for your tireless efforts and leadership, which have left a lasting impact on our organization and the many events you have brought to the city and county that had showcased our unique inclusive area across the country.”
The good news is St. Peter Pride is moving ahead with their events. The organization has confirmed they are continuing with their celebrations and are preparing for 2026 events as well. St. Pete Pride says they are, “Here to stay!” and remains committed to creating and protecting queer spaces and has no plans to cancel their events.
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