Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn will be the highest-ranking elected official to attend the 2013 St. Pete Pride Carnivale Promenade.
Carnivale is the annual street festival and parade that celebrates the Tampa Bay LGBT community. It will be the highlight event of the five-day celebration beginning June 26.
This year, the parade is June 29, and will be held on Central Avenue, between 21 and 28 Streets. The Carnivale kicks off at 9 a.m. and continues through 3 p.m.
In its 11-year history, Carnivale has grown into the largest LGBT pride event in Florida, with more than 80,000 attendees last year. Organizers expect the numbers to reach 100,000 to 125,000 attending the festival next week.
Buckhorn’s participation is anticipated to open the door for other elected officials to show support for the LGBT community.
“This is meaningful in many aspects,” said St. Pete Pride Executive Director Eric Skains. “It never goes unnoticed to the LGBT community the level of support from the local government as it brings a sense of belonging and acceptance. We truly appreciate Mayor Buckhorn’s commitment to the LGBT community, and welcome him to the Tampa Bay/St Pete LGBT Pride celebration.”
Invitations were sent to all Tampa Bay area elected officials earlier this year. Buckhorn is the highest-level elected official to accept. Also expected to attend are leaders from St Petersburg, as well as representatives of Gulfport, Largo, and county commissioners from the region. The St. Petersburg City Council recently proclaimed June LGBT month.
For more information about St. Pete Pride Carnivale, visit www.stpetepride.com
