TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Tampa Pride announced that it will be putting the city’s annual Tampa Pride Festival and Diversity Parade on hold for a year.
In a Facebook post, seemingly replicating a letter from the Tampa Pride Board dated August 1, Tampa Pride mentioned facing political and economic challenges threatening the continuation of the 2026 celebrations.
“The existing political and financial environment, coupled with difficulties in securing corporate sponsorships, reduced funding from county, state, and federal grants, and ending DEI initiatives,
under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, has made it increasingly difficult for our organization to sustain ongoing operations for 2026,” the post reads.
Tampa Pride said these challenges have caused it to put the celebration on a one-year hiatus for all Tampa Pride events.
“We understand the festival and parade’s important economic impact on local businesses and its crucial function for our LGBTQIA+ community,” the post states. “Nevertheless, this break is essential for us to reorganize, reevaluate our long-term goals, and explore new paths 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 extraordinary dedication and steadfast service as President of Tampa Pride for the past 12 years have been greatly appreciated,” the post continued. “The Board, Directors, committee members, and the community deeply thank you for your constant endeavors and leadership, which have made a significant lasting impression on our organization and the numerous events you’ve brought to the city and county, showcasing our uniquely inclusive region across the nation.”
