ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the St. Pete Pride Parade on Saturday.
It's the city's fourth-largest annual event, bringing in millions for local businesses.
Keeping the event safe is the top priority.
A concern for St. Pete Fire Rescue is heat exhaustion.
Last year, the department reported more than 80 people were given first-aid during Pride weekend. More than half of them were treated for heat-related injuries. Nine people had to be taken to a hospital.
"We have multiple cooling tents throughout the parade route. We have multiple crews, medical crews that are gonna be staged repeatedly throughout the parade route so we can get around," Captain Garth Swingle said.
He went on to say how heat exhaustion is a preventable injury and encourages people to know the signs. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and increased thirst.
As of Tuesday morning, St. Pete Police said there were no credible threats. Police Chief Anthony Holloway said they will bring out surveillance equipment, and license plate readers, and have officers both in and out of uniform patrolling.
"We'll be playing through every scenario possible, will sleep Tuesday after this event. But again, a lot of things could go wrong, but we're just going to make sure we're prepared for when it does happen that we're ready to react," Chief Holloway said.
Federal agencies warned about possible threats to LGBTQIA+ events in May. The president of the St. Pete Pride organization said he hasn't been aware of direct threats in the past.
"And for that, I'm very grateful," Dr. Byron Green-Calisch said. "But it doesn't take the sting away the anxiety away of making sure that people can come out and have a great time. To come out and enjoy, to live their truth. Because I know that even if we don't get the threat, that there might still be the thing, right, that we're always prepared."
Harvey Drouillard plans to walk in the parade Saturday and said his first time at Pride weekend was awesome.
"I've only lived in St. Pete for a little while, but they really know how to throw a great parade," Drouillard said. "You know, if you can contribute the love which everybody has that to contribute, bring that."
The Trans parade starts at 5:30 p.m. going from the Vinoy to Al Lang Stadium. The Pride parade starts immediately after at 6 p.m. starting at Al Lang and going down Bayshore Drive, to the Vinoy.
No cars will be let in or out after 4 p.m.
The main entrance is at North Straub Park. You will be checked at security and must walk through metal detectors.
Officials ask that you stay hydrated, if you see something, say something, and remember to arrive early.
