News Summary
St. Petersburg, Florida officially launched Pride Month with a lively block party on Central Avenue, celebrating diversity and inclusion in the LGBTQ community. The event featured various attractions, entertainment, and local cuisine, attracting residents and visitors alike. Dr. Byron Green-Calisch emphasized community engagement, while organizers called for year-round allyship in support of LGBTQ rights. This vibrant event marks the beginning of a month filled with festivities that honor freedom, love, and self-expression in the community.
St. Petersburg Kicks Off Pride Month with Vibrant Block Party
St. Petersburg, Florida officially launched Pride Month with a lively block party on Central Avenue, drawing residents and visitors to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the LGBTQ community. The event occurred on a Sunday evening, marking the beginning of a month filled with various festivities in the city.
Multiple blocks of Central Avenue, specifically between 23rd Street South and 24th Street South, were closed to accommodate the festivities, which featured an assortment of attractions, entertainment, and local cuisine. The block party took place from 7 to 10 p.m., with the atmosphere bustling with excitement and community spirit.
Dr. Byron Green-Calisch, the President of the St. Pete Pride Board of Directors, shared that the event was the culmination of a year-long planning effort, describing it as “like Christmas morning.” His sentiments echoed a sense of joy and anticipation shared among the community as they engaged in celebration and solidarity.
In addition to honoring the LGBTQ community, Immani Love, the Pride Festival & Entertainment Coordinator, noted that Pride represents values such as freedom, love, and self-expression. This year’s block party featured new attractions, including flamethrowers, an outdoor dance party, food vendors, and live music, making the event a vibrant showcase of local talent and culture.
Support and Community Engagement
Organizers emphasized the significance of community support, highlighting that many large companies had reduced their backing of LGBTQ initiatives during a critical time. Danielle Sheffey, the Grand Central District Coordinator, encouraged year-round allyship, stating that Pride Month serves as a key platform for showcasing support for the LGBTQ community.
Moreover, Dr. Green-Calisch called upon allies to actively show support for LGBTQ individuals by engaging in civic opportunities. This aspect of community involvement is crucial, especially during a month where visibility for LGBTQ rights is heightened. The block party aimed to create connections among attendees, fostering an environment of acceptance and mutual respect.
Continuation of Pride Festivities
The Kick-Off Party is just the start of the St. Pete Pride celebrations, which will continue throughout June leading up to the main parade scheduled for June 28. This parade is recognized as the largest in Florida, drawing thousands of participants and spectators alike. Post-parade festivities will conclude with performances and a street fair on June 29.
Throughout the month, other scheduled events include Youth and Family Day, a Stonewall Reception, Transtastic, and Womyn in Comedy. With the addition of renowned entertainment such as Suzie Toot from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” serving as the headliner for the evening, the month is poised to deliver an engaging mix of activities that celebrate and uplift the LGBTQ community.
Pride Month in St. Petersburg not only commemorates the history and struggles of the LGBTQ community but also acts as a call to action for allies and community members to support this ongoing movement for equality and inclusion. Each event is an opportunity for individuals to come together, celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of belonging within the vibrant tapestry of St. Petersburg.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Kicks Off Pride Month with Colorful Celebration
St. Petersburg, Florida Celebrates Pride Month with Dining and Events
St. Petersburg Opens Joseph E. Savage Sanitation Complex
Pride Flag Raised in St. Petersburg to Kick Off LGBTQ+ Month
St. Petersburg Kicks Off LGBTQ+ Pride Month with Flag Raising
St. Petersburg Launches Youth Champions Program to Combat Gun Violence
Polish American Society of St. Petersburg Reopens Venue After Hurricane Damage
St. Petersburg to Introduce 900 New Electric Scooters
Historic Election of Pope Leo XIV Draws National Attention
University Launches GreenCycle Composting Initiative
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News: Pride Month Kicks Off Block Party St. Pete
- Wikipedia: Pride Month
- ABC Action News: St. Pete Kicks Off Pride Month
- Google Search: St. Petersburg Pride Month
- Watermark Online: Photos St. Pete Pride 2025
- Google Scholar: Pride Month History
- I Love the Burg: Dine with Pride
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Rights
- St. Pete Catalyst: Arts Alive St. Pete Pride
- Google News: Pride Month 2025
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
