ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Both Tampa and St. Petersburg kicked off the start of June by recognizing Pride month.
In St. Petersburg, city officials raised the Pride flag at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at St. Pete City Hall, located at 175 5th St. N.
"Intentional inclusivity has always been one of our administration's core principles," Mayor Ken Welch said.
"Our annual Pride festivities, culminating with Florida's largest Pride parade and festival, highlight our city's support for our LGBTQ+ community, and all who have experienced marginalization. I'm proud to be leading a city that embraces our LGBTQ+ community. Our citizens are valued for who they are, not who they love or how they identify. [All] of us are St. Pete."
Other events include St. Pete Pride at the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 24, and the Pride In Grand Central Street Fair on Sunday, June 25.
In Tampa, Mayor Jane Castor and city leaders hosted an LGBTQ+ flag-raising ceremony to celebrate and recognize the importance of Pride Month. The event began at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at Old City Hall, located at 315 E Kennedy Blvd.
Castor, before becoming mayor, was the city’s first woman to be the city's police chief and the first openly gay person. She retired her badge in 2015 before being elected mayor in 2019.
The city of Tampa said the month is dedicated to "the uplifting of LGBT voices, a celebration of LGBT culture, and the support of LGBT rights."