ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay community kicked off Pride Month on Wednesday morning with flag-raising ceremonies across the Bay area.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was joined by representatives from Equality Florida and the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber to commemorate the moment outside of Old City Hall.
“Diversity is what makes our city the greatest city in the nation and we celebrate that diversity each and every day. But I have to caution, in these particular times, that there is a clawing back of the rights of individuals of marginalized people and communities," Castor said.
“As we raise the pride flag today over city hall, we as a community should be able to celebrate all the freedoms that we have — that everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect."
Across the bay, city officials and St. Pete Pride launched the Pride celebration by raising the flag outside St. Petersburg City Hall.
St. Pete Pride Board President Tiffany Freisberg and Executive Director Nicole Berman joined Mayor Ken Welch.
"Let's take a moment to remember how far we've come in this city from St. Petersburg's first Pride parade and celebration in 2003," Welch said during the ceremony. "In those 20 years, St. Petersburg has created and implemented meaningful change and progress for all who identify as LGBTQ+.
"Today, we are a city proud of our diversity, focused on inclusivity and intentional in our embrace of equity. This flag represents who we are, all of us."
Following the flag raise, there will be a special proclamation reading on Thursday, June 2, in City Council Chambers.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride. It's Florida's largest Pride parade and street festival. This year those who attend can look forward to events all month long, including the return of the downtown Pride Parade and Street Carnival in the Grand Central District.
Lit-up rainbow colors at sunset can be seen at Old City Hall, the Tampa Riverwalk and the City of Tampa on Wednesday to celebrate the beginning of Pride Month.
Some other Pride events to look forward to this June include the Light Up With Pride Event on June 1 and the Pride Lighting of the Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge from June 22-29.
The annual parade will take place on the evening of Saturday, June 25, with the street festival happening on the following day, June 26.