ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The city of St Petersburg will be celebrating its 20th anniversary of Pride weekend on June 24, and St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway wants attendees to know that they will be protected during the festivities.


What You Need To Know

  • The 20th anniversary of St. Pete Pride will be June 24-26

  • St. Pete Police Chief Anthony Holloway said that the police department, and well as fire and medical departments, will be at the event to make sure everyone is safe 

  • More than 100,000 people are expected to turn out over the course of the next three days

  • Parade route, events and everything you need to know for St. Pete Pride 2022

“I want everybody to know that for this event, it will be safe," Holloway said during a recent press conference. "It will be safe because the law enforcement and because of the community that’s going to be out there supporting us."

He also said that the St. Pete Fire Department will be present at the event for any medical emergencies, as well as state, federal and local departments. During the conference, Holloway urged the importance of reporting anything that looks out of the ordinary.

“If you see something, say something, whether you can call 911 or text it in,” he said. “If you see something suspicious, please don’t be that person and say, ‘Oh, I should’ve called that in.’ You’re not really bothering us. We want to make sure that everyone is safe for this event.”


Holloway said that there will be a free speech zone set up after a question was asked in regards to anti-LGBTQ concerns for the weekend. He said those people are allowed to speak freely, but the area will have a significant police presence to help avoid any disturbances.

“If you’re (going to be) disorderly or try to start a fight or anything, we’re taking you to jail," he said. "Period."

More than 100,000 people are expected to turn out over the course of the next three days.

Pride is set to kick off with a concert on Friday from 4-10 p.m. followed by a parade on Saturday, which is the weekend’s biggest event. The St. Pete Police Department will start blocking streets off on Saturday morning. At 2 p.m., all vehicle traffic on the pier will be closed.

Saturday’s parade will start at the same time at 2 p.m. View the map below for the parade route.