St. Pete Pride Seeks $289,000 to Cover 2026 Costs
Sponsorship declines and a new state law have left the LGBTQ+ festival with a funding gap ahead of its 25th anniversary.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in LGBTQ+
Live Poll
Should local businesses keep sponsoring community events like St. Pete Pride despite new state rules?
St. Pete Pride is asking the community to raise $289,000 to pay off expenses from this year's celebration, having raised $65,000 so far. The festival's sponsorships decreased by about $200,000 this year.
Why it matters
Organizations are uncertain whether and how they can support LGBTQ+ groups under Senate Bill 1134, which prohibits counties and municipalities from funding DEI offices or programs and takes effect January 1. The shortfall affects one of the largest annual events in downtown St. Petersburg.
St. Pete Pride has raised $65,000 toward a $289,000 expense gap, with the celebration costing more than $500,000 to put on and drawing over 300,000 people downtown. Sponsorships fell by about $200,000 this year, and the amount needed to close the gap remains unmet.
The players
St. Pete Pride
The St. Petersburg LGBTQ+ organization that produces the annual Pride festival and has held celebrations for nearly 25 years.
Dr. Bob Wallace
A longtime attendee of St. Pete Pride who was honored as a grand marshal last year.
Ron DeSantis
The Governor of Florida who signed Senate Bill 1134 into law.
The details
St. Pete Pride is seeking community donations to close the funding gap by the end of November, as the organization has been paying for one year's celebration while preparing for the next. Sponsorships declined as some organizations reduced funding or chose not to sponsor.
Timeline
2026: Pride celebration held and sponsorships declined.
End of November 2026: Target date to close the $289,000 gap.
January 1, 2027: Senate Bill 1134 takes effect.
2027: St. Pete Pride marks its 25th anniversary.
Political Context
Senate Bill 1134 prohibits Florida counties and municipalities from funding DEI offices or programs, and it takes effect January 1. Organizations are uncertain whether and how they can continue supporting LGBTQ+ groups under the new restrictions.
Residents and visitors planning to attend next year's 25th anniversary celebration may see a different size or scope if the funding gap is not closed. Downtown St. Petersburg businesses that rely on the roughly 300,000 visitors could also feel the effect.
The takeaway
Community donations are the key to whether St. Pete Pride's 25th anniversary keeps its current scale. Anyone interested in supporting the festival can contribute toward the remaining gap before the end-of-November target.
What happens next
St. Pete Pride's target to close the $289,000 gap is the end of November 2026, and Senate Bill 1134 takes effect January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the community behind the event, explore LGBTQ+ coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Spectrum News Bay News 9.
Live Poll
Should local businesses keep sponsoring community events like St. Pete Pride despite new state rules?
