SARASOTA – Pride Month festivities are coming to an end –here’s how one nonprofit on the Suncoast chose to go big or go home.
That’s exactly what ProjectPRIDE SRQ did as they close off Pride Month with a celebration of epic proportions.
With Pride Month festivities wrapping up here on the Suncoast and around the nation. ProjectPRIDE SRQ decided to end the month-long festivities on a big note. All 375 feet.
After playing a pivotal role to get the Ringling Causeway lights turned on for Pride, the Sarasota based nonprofit rallied the troops to make one last impactful statement.
“We wanted to celebrate the end of Pride Month and the lighting of the Ringling Bridge at the same time by wrapping up the Ringling Bridge with our Grand Pride Flag,” said Toby Boothby.
Made up of 12 different sections and coming together as one, close to 350 volunteers participated in hoisting up the vibrant rainbow flag high above Sarasota Bay to send a message of unity and show Sarasota’s diverse community.
“Seeing everyone come together and celebrate love, and celebrate Pride,” said Berry Ayers. “And celebrate being an ally. It was the big exclamation point on our Pride season here.”
Boothby, ProjectPRIDE SRQ Board member, says this year’s community support has been like no other he’s seen before.
“The community support during Pride Month has been heartwarming,” said Boothby.
Berry Ayers otherwise known to the community as Beneva Fruitville says the various LGBTQ + organizations on the Suncoast helped bring the community together by providing a safe place for them to coexist.
“Being visible and showcasing locals and bringing locals together is brought the various groupings of pour LGBTQ + community closer together,” said Ayers.
The festivities may be wrapping up now but there are plans for more Pride events later this year. For more information head over to ProjectPRIDE SRQ.
