“We’re very concerned about what’s happening in the state,” said the organization’s president.
By
Gabrielle Calise Times staff
Published Yesterday|Updated Yesterday
Due to the current political climate in Florida, Tampa Pride is canceling its annual Pride on the River event.
“In the end, we didn’t want to take any chances,” said Carrie West, president of Tampa Pride.
The decision came Wednesday after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1438, which holds businesses accountable ”if the establishment admits a child to an adult live performance.”
“It’s not fair for the kids. It’s not fair for the adults or for anybody,” West said. “It’s bullying and trying to make sure that you’re president…We’re very concerned about what’s happening in the state.”
“We just said, you know what, we are afraid if we did go through with this (DeSantis) would come in with his Gestapo… not Tampa Police, because we’re working with them, but maybe another group, and they’d all just pull the plug on it,” West said.