ABOVE: Polk Pride 2019. Photo by Dylan Todd.
LAKELAND, Fla. | Polk Pride’s return has been cancelled in response to Florida’s rise in COVID-19 cases.
Polk Pride 2021 was previously scheduled for Sept. 25-Oct. 2. Organizers shared Aug. 27 that they wouldn’t return until June 18, 2022.
The celebration is an event of the Lakeland Youth Alliance, which provides a safe space for the area’s LGBTQ youth. It was last held in 2019, having also cancelled in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
“The Polk Pride Committee’s number one concern has been, and always will be, the safety of our community,” organizers shared via social media. “With that in mind, due to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and after consultation with local health officials and our parent organization, we’ve reached the difficult decision to cancel all Polk Pride 2021 events.
“This decision was not made lightly,” they continued. “We are heartbroken that we will not be able to celebrate with you, in person, for the second year in a row.”
The committee subsequently thanked supporters for their continued support. You can view the post in full below:
For more information about Polk Pride, visit PolkPrideFL.com.
