Tampa Pride Cancels 2026 Celebration Over Political And Economic Challenges
The organization says shrinking funding and state restrictions have forced a one-year hiatus.
Featured image by Octavio Jones/Getty Images
Tampa Pride has announced that its annual Pride Festival and Diversity Parade will not take place in 2026. The decision, shared on Facebook, comes after organizers cited mounting financial and political pressures that have made it difficult to sustain the event.
“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 statement from Tampa Pride’s Board read.
The announcement marks the first time in over a decade that Tampa Pride will take a full-year hiatus. The festival and parade, typically held in Ybor City, regularly drew tens of thousands of attendees.
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In its post, Tampa Pride acknowledged the impact of the pause. “We recognize the festival and parade’s significant financial contribution to local businesses and its vital role to our LGBTQIA+ community. 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 board also confirmed that President Carrie West’s contract will expire on August 31, 2025, bringing her 12-year tenure to a close. “Carrie, your remarkable dedication and unwavering service as President of Tampa Pride over the past 12 years have been deeply valued,” the board wrote. “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 cancellation sparked disappointment among community leaders. Rene Cantu, president of the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, told Tampa Bay 28 the timing is particularly painful. “It’s disappointing, particularly because we’re at a time in this country where visibility is so important,” Cantu said, noting that some LGBTQ-owned businesses have already faced setbacks in the current political environment.
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Byron Green-Calisch, president of St. Pete Pride, echoed the concern but urged perseverance. “Now is the time that we have to be borne of resilience,” he said. “That is my fervent hope, and I will go on record in saying that I will do everything that I can to help them make sure they have a space to celebrate and support whatever that may look like. It is integral that we are able to do something.”
Green-Calisch later issued a broader statement on behalf of St. Pete Pride, emphasizing solidarity and commitment to the region’s LGBTQ+ community. “We want to be crystal clear: St Pete Pride is here to stay. The pausing of one event does not mean the erasure of our voices, our visibility, or our rights. St Pete Pride remains deeply committed to creating, protecting, and expanding queer spaces across Tampa Bay.”
He added that St. Pete Pride will continue with its own events and is already planning for 2026. “Tampa’s LGBTQ+ community deserves vibrant, safe, and visible spaces, and we are doing everything in our power to ensure those spaces continue to thrive. We have always valued Tampa Pride, and now is the time to reignite those connections, strengthen our partnerships, and work together to guarantee that Pride across Tampa Bay is not only preserved, but expanded for generations to come.”
