The controversy about the St. Pete Pride parade moving is far from over. On Thursday, residents of the parade's current home in historic Kenwood took their concerns to city leaders.

  • About a dozen people spoke to city council regarding move
  • Pride board members cite security concerns, crowds as reasons for move
  • Kenwood residents believe neighborhood is still the right fit

At a city council meeting, some held up signs that read, ‘Preserve our pride,’ with the words ‘Keep St. Pete Pride in Grand Central’ at the bottom.

It’s a message about a dozen people who showed up to the meeting said they wanted leaders to hear loud and clear.

It’s also what Grand Central District Association Executive Director Tawnee Walling said she’s been saying since she heard the news about moving the pride parade downtown.

“We think that perhaps there has been a little bit of neglect of what does the community actually want," said Walling. "The largest stakeholder that St. Pete Pride has is the LGBT community. And the LGBT community was not reached out to about this decision."

St. Pete Pride board member Susan McGrath said the fact that the parade has grown so much isn’t a surprise. The decision to possibly move it is the result of that growth.

“As the event has been successful over the last 13 years, it has grown," said McGrath. "It started as a one-day morning parade 13 years ago. Now, it’s a multi-day event that covers the Tampa bay area and has a $23 million economic impact.

“It came up last year," McGrath continued. "The city asked us to stay. We did so. It came up again this year. There’s about several, more than a half a dozen reasons that are really important in consideration that we considered. Security, costs and a variety of other issues are important.”

In addition to the security and crowd size concerns, Pride board members pointed out that they’re considering a fireworks show that wouldn’t be possible in the Grand Central District.

Residents of the Kenwood neighborhood countered by pointing out the parade's history with the area. They also argued their opinion that downtown, despite its busy shops, restaurants, and beautiful views, just does not compare.

There's also the question of acceptance. In Kenwood, it isn't a question at all.

“I love the Kenwood neighborhood," said resident Robin Cruse-Cunrow. "They’ve embraced us since Day One.”

Cruse-Cunrow said the rainbow flags, banners and bright lights sets this community apart. She worries things won’t be the same downtown.

“I don’t think they would be as accepting," said Cruse-Cunrow. "Let’s say two gay men walking hand in hand, wearing a leather thong and nothing else, sitting at 400 Beach having lunch. I know they won’t be accepted."

Pride organizers said the deal isn’t sealed yet, but there’s still a chance the large crowds waving their rainbow flags could end up downtown this year.