Tampa Pride, the nonprofit responsible for organizing the city’s annual LGBTQ+ parade and festival, has announced a one-year suspension of its events in 2026. Since its launch in Ybor City in 2014, the celebration has drawn over 60,000 attendees annually, serving as both a cultural milestone and a significant economic contributor. n nOrganizers cited a challenging environment marked by reduced corporate sponsorships, cuts to county, state, and federal grants, and the elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In a social media statement, they emphasized financial responsibility, stating they would not proceed if it meant accumulating debt. n nFormer President Carrie West noted the event typically costs around $426,000 each year to cover permits, security, and insurance. Despite the pause, she highlighted the festival’s broader value: “We bring millions into Tampa’s economy, filling downtown and Ybor City hotels every year.” n nLGBTQ+ advocate Rachel Covello expressed concern over the hiatus, stressing the importance of maintaining community visibility and celebration. “Having a pride parade matters deeply to the city. We should return to our roots and keep these gatherings alive, even in a smaller form,” she said. n nThe break leaves a void in Tampa’s LGBTQ+ calendar and reflects wider trends of diminishing support for LGBTQ+ organizations across Florida. Organizers remain hopeful, stating they are open to new ideas and community partnerships that could help relaunch the event in 2027. n— news from FOX 13 Tampa Bay
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Tampa Pride Takes One-Year Hiatus, Citing Economic and Political Challenges
What we know: n nTampa Pride, the nonprofit behind the city’s annual parade and festival, announced it will take a one-year break in 2026. The event has been a fixture in Ybor City since 2014, drawing more than 60,000 people each year. n nIn a statement posted on social media, organizers pointed to “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.” n nFormer Tampa Pride President Carrie West said the group refuses to go into debt. “We never have, we always paid our bills,” he said. Hosting the events costs about $426,000 annually for permitting, security, and insurance. n nWhat they ‘re saying: n nWest said, “We’re bringing multi-millions into the city of Tampa. We pack up the hotels in Downtown Tampa and Ybor City.” n nRachel Covello, LGBTQ+ Advocate: “The fact that they have a pride parade now means so much to the city that it’s here… I think it is important that we go back to our roots and keep these events going even if we have to scale them back.” n nWhy you should care: n nThe pause leaves Tampa without one of its largest LGBTQ+ celebrations and a major economic driver for the city. Advocates say it reflects broader cutbacks in LGBTQ+ support across Florida. n nWhat ‘s next: n nOrganizers say they are “open to new, fresh ideas” and hope community support will revive the event in 2027.