Florida Welcomes Everyone this Summer with Colorful Celebrations and Themed Activities

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (June 2019) – Sunny and colorful Florida is proud to be one of the world's premier gay and lesbian travel destinations, particularly the vibrant stretch of Atlantic shoreline, from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach to distinctive Key West.  For LGBTQ travelers heading to the Sunshine State to celebrate Pride Month in June, Florida offers a diversity of lively experiences for a variety of eclectic tastes -- in both charming small towns and notable hot spots.

 

Discover Florida’s Pride:

●        PensacolaPRIDE: An authentically local LGBTQ event, PensacolaPRIDE will take place on June 15 and is organized by a dedicated group of local volunteers. Celebrated over a full week of events – most of which are free – the festival is intended to entertain and educate the local community around issues that are meaningful to LGBTQ people. The week includes special events like an open mic performance, educational forums, a movie marathon, and caps off with a semi-formal banquet and dance called the Celebration Ball.
 

●        Naples Pride: The Naples and Marco Island community will celebrate its 3rd annual Naples Pride Fest on June 1 from 11am until 5pm at Cambier Park in the heart of downtown Naples. Naples Pride celebrates diversity and unity, educates the community on LGBTQ issues to promote equal rights for all. This all-inclusive, family-friendly and open to the public event will combine entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers, vendors, exhibitors, kids’ activities, and food and drink for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality. The event will feature music spun by crowd favorite DJ Kooshie and the dynamic MC Liquid will emcee the event.

●        Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride: Fort Lauderdale's up-and-coming Wilton Manors neighborhood, home to one of the highest per-capita LGBTQ populations, bustles with gay and lesbian businesses, offering more than 100 gay-owned establishments including cafés and coffeehouses, lively bars and lounges, fine retail and dining options. On June 15, the location is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Wilton Manors Stonewall Festival and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, with a kick-off extravaganza, celebrity entertainers, and an eight hour Stonewall Pride street parade.
 

●        Key West PrideRenowned for its “One Human Family” philosophy of unity and equality, the Southernmost destination welcomes visitors to its annual Key West Pride Week, June 5-10.  The week is packed with festivities, live performances, pool parties and more. The Pride parade, June 9, passes along Duval Street and includes contests, tea dances, on-the-water excursions, a street fair and late-night gatherings abound.

Images are available upon request. For more information, please visit VisitFlorida.com.

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As the Sunshine State’s No. 1 industry, tourism was responsible for welcoming 124.7 million visitors in 2018. Based on the latest economic impact study, Florida visitors spent $85.9 billion and supported 1.5 million Florida jobs in 2017. According to the Office of Economic and Demographic Research, for every $1 the state invests in VISIT FLORIDA – the official tourism marketing corporation for the State of Florida – $2.15 in tax revenue is generated. VISIT FLORIDA promotes tourism to Florida through sales, advertising, promotions, public relations and visitor services programs. As a public/private partnership, VISIT FLORIDA serves more than 13,000 tourism industry businesses, including major strategic alliance partnerships with Busch Gardens Tampa, Disney Destinations, The Hertz Corporation, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, SeaWorld Parks & Resorts Orlando, Simon Shopping Destinations and Universal Orlando Resort. To learn more about VISIT FLORIDA, please go to VISITFLORIDA.org or follow us on our industry social media channels: Facebook and Twitter @FloridaTourism.