In a unanimous vote during this week's regular city commission meeting, Sarasota city commissioners approved a request to fly the Pride flag at City Hall from May 5 through May 12. The decision comes in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Fabulous Arts Foundation and in conjunction with this year’s Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest (formerly the Harvey Milk Festival) taking place in downtown Sarasota.

The request was presented by Shannon Fortner, founder and director of the Fabulous Arts Foundation and lead organizer of the festival, who spoke about the organization's longstanding role in the community and the significance of the flag as a symbol of visibility and unity.

“This is our 15th year serving the Sarasota community and celebrating folks as they are,” Fortner told commissioners. “Flying the flag at City Hall during this important week aligns directly with our shared goals of representation, respect and unity.”

This year’s flag raising coincides with day three of the Be Fabulous Music & Arts Pride Fest, a multi-day event returning to Five Points Park in the heart of Sarasota. The event is a popular celebration of live music, inspiring art, unique vendors and a community united in pride. The 2025 theme focuses on creativity and connection, inviting the public to explore the arts through a lens of expression and advocacy.

The city’s decision arrives as Florida lawmakers consider new restrictions on which flags can be flown on public property. Proposed legislation is advancing that would limit which flags may be displayed on government-owned flagpoles. Florida Senate Bill 1120 and its state House of Representatives companion, House Bill 901, would restrict flags flown on government buildings and property to those representing the United States, the State of Florida, local governments, the prisoner of war/missing in action flag and others authorized by statute. The bills specifically aim to prevent the display of flags that represent political, ideological or social movements—such as the Pride flag—on public flagpoles. It's one of several state-led movements to squash symbols of diversity and inclusion.

Supporters argue the measure promotes neutrality and uniformity across public spaces, while critics say it targets marginalized communities and undermines local authority. As of now, the bills are progressing through committee hearings in the Florida Legislature but have not yet been signed into law. 

For Fortner and the Fabulous Arts Foundation, the Pride flag isn't just a symbol—it’s a visible affirmation of Sarasota’s inclusive values and a tradition they hope to carry forward.

“We want to keep the tradition going as we move forward,” Fortner said at the commission meeting, highlighting the Fabulous Arts Foundation's new LGBTQ+ community center and mental health programming. “We appreciate the support and the work we continue to do as a nonprofit organization in this community.”