June in Pinellas County is turning into a tug of war over what the county officially celebrates.
County commissioners this week signed a "Faith and Family Month" declaration, a move that has drawn pushback from LGBTQ+ advocates and some faith leaders who say the campaign's language shuts people out rather than bringing them in. Soon after, Commission Chair Dave Eggers circulated a separate Pride Month proclamation for colleagues to sign, setting up a political and cultural standoff over how June should be recognized locally.
According to Axios Tampa Bay, all seven commissioners signed the Faith and Family Month declaration, with several saying they viewed the language as a broad celebration of families and faith communities. Eggers later sent a Pride proclamation to the board, and as of Thursday three commissioners — Eggers, René Flowers and Brian Scott — had signed it, the outlet reports. Axios also reviewed emails to commissioners in which some correspondents described Pride as "contrary to biblical truth."
What the Faith & Family campaign promotes
The Faith & Family Month campaign centers June around traditional religious beliefs and related programming. Its website includes a "Statement of Faith" that defines marriage as between "a man and a woman" and contains language denying the existence of transgender people, which critics have seized on as evidence the effort is not inclusive.
The initiative is organized locally by the Christian nonprofit Somebody Cares Tampa Bay, which is promoting FamFest and other June events tied to the Faith & Family theme on its calendar.
Where the push came from
Supporters, including some elected officials, frame the month as a way to strengthen families and faith ties. Critics counter that the messaging goes well beyond a neutral, feel-good celebration.
Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector has publicly endorsed the campaign and last year presented a similar proclamation to his city council, reporting by the Tampa Bay Times notes. That early backing helped the effort gain traction among area pastors and civic groups, which now promote June programming under the Faith & Family banner.
Local reaction
The rollout has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+-affirming clergy and community advocates who say the county is sending the wrong signal.
"It's unfortunate that they're only focusing on one segment and one definition of family," the Rev. Ray Simms of King of Peace Metropolitan Community Church said, adding that "the Bible's core values are not threatened by anyone who affirms the LGBTQIA+ population," per Axios Tampa Bay. Advocates argue that symbolic proclamations carry real weight because they influence which communities feel seen and supported by local government.
What comes next
Pinellas County posts its meeting agendas in advance and holds regular commission sessions where proclamations and presentations are formally placed on the docket. With meetings already on the calendar this month, residents can watch upcoming agendas and livestreams to see whether the board moves to formally adopt any June proclamations.
Details on schedules, agendas and how to tune in are available through the county's Board of County Commissioners page at Pinellas County.
