Tampa Pride 2026 Canceled Due to Current Political and Economic Climate

Tampa Pride organizers announced they will cancel all events planned for 2026, including the city’s annual Pride Festival and Diversity Parade, citing what they describe as an increasingly hostile “political and economic climate” under Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

In a letter posted to Facebook dated August 1, the Board of Tampa Pride blamed the decision on a combination of dwindling financial support, shrinking public funding, and the state’s elimination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

“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 board wrote.

The statement acknowledged the economic impact of the annual celebration, especially for local businesses, but said the organization needs to “regroup” and develop a more sustainable long-term plan. The announcement marks the first time in over a decade that the city’s signature LGBTQIA+ event will not be held.

“We recognize the festival and parade’s significant financial contribution to local businesses and its vital role to our LGBTQIA+ community,” the board continued. “However, this pause is necessary… to identify additional avenues of funding to secure the future stability of Tampa Pride events.”

Tampa Pride also confirmed that longtime President Carrie West’s contract will expire in August 2025, and praised her for over a decade of service.

“Carrie, your remarkable dedication and unwavering service as President of Tampa Pride over the past 12 years have been deeply valued,” the post read. “Your tireless efforts and leadership have left a lasting impact.”

Florida’s aggressive rollback of DEI policies and LGBTQIA+ programming under the DeSantis administration has been a central focus of political battles in the state. Multiple pride events across Florida have faced similar funding challenges, and some were canceled or scaled back in recent years.

Tampa Pride organizers did not indicate whether the 2027 event would resume, but said further announcements would be made as plans develop.