Tampa Pride event canceled due to new law
May 18, 2023 - Carrie West, president of Tampa Pride, canceled the organization’s annual Pride on the River event after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB1438 into law Wednesday. Last year’s event, held Sept. 24, featured a diversity boat parade, live performances, fireworks and drag brunches. The new legislation allows state officials to “fine, suspend or revoke the license” of any public establishment that admits a child to an adult performance, which could include drag shows.