St. Pete Pride's 2027 celebration at risk amid funding shortfall

St. Pete Pride is calling on supporters to help close a funding deficit.

Why it matters: If the nonprofit can't raise $289,000 by Nov. 30, Florida's largest LGBTQ+ celebration may be at risk for next year, new board president Trent Brock said in a letter to supporters.

The latest: The organization has raised nearly $20,000 since issuing the call for donations Oct. 5, Brock told Axios.

"While we're incredibly grateful for the support so far, there's still work to be done," he said.

Scott Simon, a go-go dancer at Ybor City gay bar Bradley's on 7th, told Axios he'll match donations up to $25,000 through Friday. Supporters can donate here.

Catch up quick: Organizers hinted at financial challenges over the summer due to fewer corporate sponsorships amid a hostile political climate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Pride celebrations around the country have seen similar declines.

That conditional support is among the reasons why groups like the local People's Pride Coalition have started their own celebrations without corporate or police ties.

State of play: Along with disappearing sponsorships, the rising costs of producing large-scale events have contributed to the strain, Brock said.

This year's parade and street festival, both of which are free to attend, drew around 300,000 people.

Brock also said the organization started the year still paying off last year's celebration, and "from what I've found, this has been occurring for several years."

What's next: A new state law restricting government support of diversity, equity and inclusion programs goes into effect Jan. 1 — making the call for support all the more urgent, Brock said.

Both the city and county have contributed funds and services to St. Pete Pride over the years.

The bottom line: "It's been a difficult environment for Pride," Simon said. "But we can show that … together we are as strong as ever."