St. Petersburg LGBTQ+ Flag Vote Delayed After DeSantis Threat

DeSantis Pressure Halts St. Petersburg Vote on LGBTQ+ and Black Community Flags

By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — (October 23, 2025) — Plans by the St. Petersburg City Council to introduce two new city-flag variations celebrating the LGBTQ+ and Black communities have been temporarily put on hold after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly threatened to pull state funding.

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The proposed flags — known as the Harmony Flag and the History Flag — were designed to symbolize the city’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion following the state-ordered removal of several street murals earlier this year. Supporters say the initiative is a creative alternative to continue representing St. Petersburg’s inclusive values despite mounting state-level restrictions.

City officials confirmed that a scheduled vote on October 9 was delayed to allow more discussion about potential state retaliation and to gather additional public feedback. Several council members expressed concern that immediate approval could risk millions in infrastructure funding if the Governor follows through on his threat.

Community advocates, however, argue that postponing the vote only emboldens Tallahassee’s culture-war tactics. “The people of St. Pete have always stood for inclusion,” said one local activist during the meeting. “Backing down now sends the wrong message.”

The City Council is expected to revisit the proposal before the end of October. If approved, the new flags would fly alongside the official city flag during major civic events and awareness observances as a local statement of solidarity.

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