St. Pete officials make security preps ahead of Pride weekend

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg Police and Fire Rescue officials are ramping up security this weekend for the city’s Pride events.

A concert will be held on Friday, June 21, and then the main parade and festival will be happening all day on Saturday, June 22.

It’s one the city’s biggest events of the year and the largest Pride event in Florida.

Police Chief Anthony Holloway said more than 200,000 people are expected to show up on Saturday. He said the department will have plenty of officers there to make sure everyone has a safe and fun time.

“For the event, there will be a full police presence,” Holloway said. “The officers will be in uniform, some will be in plain clothes. We will also bring in surveillance equipment.”

Holloway also stressed that if anyone at the event sees anything disturbing, to let an officer know. Attendees can use the department’s “TIP411” app.

Temperatures are expected to soar this weekend, making heat exhaustion the primary concern for Fire Rescue officials. 

Fire Rescue is urging attendees to stay vigilant and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion. 

“Heat exhaustion is a preventable injury,” said Captain Garth Swingle. “The best way to avoid getting overheated is to remain hydrated, especially when consuming alcohol.”

Fire Rescue, in collaboration with Orlando Health Bayfront, will be setting up medical tents with cooling stations and staffed with healthcare providers. Fire Rescue paramedics will be located along the parade route.

“Anything from a Band-Aid to a catastrophic event. Our goal is to ensure that everyone enjoys the weekend safely,” said Swingle. 

The parade starts at 6 p.m. at Albert Whitted Park. The festival runs from 2 p.m. – 10 p.m.

View the parade route: