Overview

• Tampa Pride announced a pause for 2026 after posting a board letter that attributes the decision to sponsor losses, reduced county, state and federal grants, and the end of DEI programs under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
• The hiatus covers the annual festival, the Diversity Parade, and all affiliated Tampa Pride events for one year.
• Organizers say the pause will allow time to regroup, reassess long-term strategy, and pursue new funding to stabilize future events.
• The board confirmed that President Carrie West’s contract ended on August 31 after 12 years, and he said the group hopes to secure grants and return following the hiatus.
• St. Pete Pride responded that its programming remains on track, with preparations for its 2026 celebration already underway.