ABOVE: Polk Pride 2019, photo by Dylan Todd.
LAKELAND, Fla. | Polk Pride and its official events have been postponed until 2021 in response to COVID-19.
The annual celebration was originally scheduled for June 13-20 and subsequently rescheduled for Sept. 26-Oct. 4. Organizers shared Aug. 11 that they would ultimately postpone the gathering to focus on returning next year.
“This year we have faced challenging times in our community, surrounding areas and throughout the state,” the organization shared via social media. “The Polk Pride FL Board of Directors has been monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our community.
“Through discussions with Equality Florida, Florida LGBTQ leadership and other regional pride organizers, we have remained optimistic about the future of this year’s events,” they continued. “At the same time, we want to ensure that we make the best decisions for our community … we now are aware that for the safety of our community, the most protective and proactive thing that we can do is to cancel all Polk Pride 2020 events and begin to plan the events for 2021.”
Polk Pride also noted that their goal has always been to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for its supporters. “We hope you’ll join us for Polk Pride 2021 – June 12-19,” they concluded.
View the announcement in full below:
For more information about Polk Pride, visit PolkPrideFL.com. For the latest updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the LGBTQ communities in Tampa Bay and Central Florida, view Watermark’s frequently updated coverage here.
