Pinellas commissioners sign Faith and Family Month proclamation

The Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners unanimously signed a proclamation recognizing June 2026 as Faith and Family Month, joining a movement that has gained support in several Florida communities over the past two years.

The proclamation was signed by all seven commissioners, including Chair Dave Eggers, Vice Chair Chris Latvala, René Flowers, Vince Nowicki, Kathleen Peters, Chris Scherer and Brian Scott. The document describes Faith and Family Month as an effort to strengthen families through faith communities, educational programs, youth activities, service projects and community engagement.

According to Commissioner Chris Latvala, the initiative was inspired by a similar effort in Clearwater.

“I got the idea from Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector who was one of the first elected leaders to do it last year,” Latvala wrote in a Facebook post after the proclamation was signed.

The proclamation emphasizes the role of churches, faith-based organizations, businesses and community groups in supporting families and encouraging community involvement throughout June. It states that families who worship and serve together often benefit from shared values, mutual support and stronger community connections.

The local effort is tied to the broader Faith and Family Month campaign, which is promoted in the Tampa Bay region by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay. The Christian nonprofit organization coordinates volunteer projects, outreach efforts and family-focused events throughout the region.

While the county proclamation itself focuses on family and community engagement, discussion surrounding the initiative has extended beyond the language contained in the document.

Critics have pointed to statements associated with the broader Faith and Family Month movement that define marriage as between one man and one woman and reject transgender identities. Supporters maintain that the initiative is intended to celebrate families, faith communities and volunteer service rather than target any particular group.

The issue has drawn additional attention because June is widely recognized as Pride Month across the United States. Following questions about whether Pinellas County would also recognize Pride Month, Eggers circulated a separate Pride Month proclamation among commissioners.

The differing proclamations have generated debate among residents, advocacy groups and faith leaders about how local governments should recognize community groups and cultural observances.

Supporters of Faith and Family Month argue that faith communities play a significant role in strengthening families, providing charitable services and building social connections. They note that churches and faith-based organizations regularly provide food assistance, youth programs, disaster relief and other community services throughout Pinellas County.

Opponents contend that some of the broader campaign’s positions on marriage and gender identity make the initiative exclusionary and inconsistent with efforts to recognize the diversity of modern families.

The discussion mirrors similar debates occurring in communities across Florida and the nation as elected officials navigate competing requests for symbolic recognition during the month of June.

County proclamations do not create laws or establish county policy. They serve as ceremonial statements intended to recognize causes, organizations or events. Even so, supporters and critics alike often view them as meaningful signals about the values and priorities local governments choose to highlight.