Miami Beach has officially kicked off its 17th annual Pride festival with a flag-raising ceremony. As reported by WSVN, the festival, running through April 6, features family-friendly events, social gatherings, and performances.

Despite the celebratory mood, the festival takes place amid Florida's ongoing political debates. State lawmakers are considering measures that could prevent local governments and educational institutions from flying the rainbow flag, aiming to limit displays of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity. Still, the flag was raised above Miami Beach City Hall, showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

NBC Miami reported comments from Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who highlighted the importance of visibility during the ceremony: "This is a moment of visibility. This flag shows to the world not only is the gay community here, but the gay community is welcome, is included, is embraced."

Democratic state Senator Shevrin Jones has spoken out against the proposed legislation, saying that sexual orientation and gender identity should not be labeled as political viewpoints. "What they define as a political viewpoint is not a political viewpoint in that is sexual orientation or gender or political ideology viewpoint," Jones told NBC Miami. "That they have not defined it, my colleagues know they haven’t defined it, and local governments should be able to do what’s best for them."

With the parade scheduled for April 6, Miami Beach Pride's Chairman of the Board, Bruce Horwich, said, "All the more reason we need to have this. I’ve been asked in the past, why do we have Pride? I think we see now why we have Pride, we have to have it," in a statement obtained by NBC Miami.

Miami Beach Pride is expected to attract over 185,000 attendees. What began in 2009 as a one-day event has since grown into a weeklong celebration. NBC6 and Telemundo51, official media sponsors, provide a full list of events for those interested.