DELRAY BEACH, Florida — Delray Beach’s city government says it will no longer organize, fund or promote its popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade or annual Pride event in 2027, citing a new Florida law restricting local governments’ involvement in certain diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) activities. The announcement has put two major community gatherings in doubt, although Mayor Tom Carney says he is working with private groups to keep the St. Patrick’s Day parade on the calendar.
The city announced its decision on November 10 after reviewing Florida Senate Bill 1134, formally titled the Official Actions of Local Governments law. The measure was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis in April and is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. It restricts counties and municipalities from funding or promoting, directly or indirectly, or taking official action connected to activities that fall within the law’s definition of DEI.
In its statement, Delray Beach said the restrictions cover certain programming and activities designed or implemented with reference to ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Following its review, the city concluded it was legally prohibited from organizing, funding or promoting the two events in 2027. The announcement is also posted on the official Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade website.
A Longstanding Parade With Tens Of Thousands Of Attendees
The St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of Delray Beach’s best-known annual traditions. The city’s event materials describe a procession along Atlantic Avenue, running west from the Intracoastal Waterway to Northwest Fifth Avenue, with floats, school groups, local businesses, community organizations, veterans, first responders, marching bands and Irish heritage societies.
A city sponsorship document prepared for the 2027 event projected average attendance of more than 42,000 people and listed more than 70 parade entries. The parade’s long history and visitor numbers help explain why the announcement quickly became a major local issue for residents, volunteers and businesses that benefit from the crowds. The city’s 2027 parade sponsorship profile provides the attendance estimate and event details.
The Pride event is also affected by the city’s interpretation of the new law. Pride festivals are community events that celebrate LGBTQ people and culture, and Delray Beach’s announcement means the city will not host or fund its annual event in 2027 under the current plan.
Mayor Looks To Private Organizers To Save The Parade
After residents reacted to the announcement, Mayor Tom Carney said he was working with multiple organizations and potential sponsors to preserve the St. Patrick’s Day parade. In comments reported by WPTV, Carney said he had contacted prospective supporters and that people had come forward offering to help underwrite the event. He also said applications were already being submitted by people interested in organizing it.
Carney has pointed out that the parade was previously run as a private event, suggesting that a return to private sponsorship and organization could provide a route around the city’s decision not to host it. He has also indicated that a similar private-sector arrangement could be considered for the Pride Festival. However, discussions remain at an early stage, and no finalized alternative arrangement for either event has been announced.
That distinction is important: the city’s announcement does not mean that privately organized events are automatically prohibited. The law contains provisions allowing municipalities to issue event permits in a content-neutral manner and provide public-safety services. Local reporting by WFLX notes that the city’s decision concerns events organized, funded or promoted by the municipality. Whether independent organizers can successfully stage either celebration will depend on how the events are structured and whether they comply with the law.
What Senate Bill 1134 Says
Under SB 1134, municipalities and counties are barred from funding or promoting, directly or indirectly, or taking official action relating to DEI as defined in the legislation. The law also restricts the use of public funds for local-government DEI offices and officers, and requires potential recipients of municipal or county contracts and grants to certify that local-government funds will not be used for specified DEI-related materials and instruction.
The Florida Senate’s official bill summary outlines the restrictions and exceptions. The legislation also provides for legal action by residents against local governments alleged to have violated its provisions. The law’s effective date is January 1, 2027.
The city’s interpretation has placed two very different celebrations under the same legal question: whether municipal involvement in their programming, organization or promotion would fall within the statute’s restrictions. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations traditionally focus on Irish heritage and community festivities, while Pride events center on LGBTQ communities. The city has determined that its involvement in both events is restricted under the new law.
Community And Business Impact
Beyond the events themselves, the uncertainty has consequences for downtown businesses, vendors, hospitality operators, performers, community groups and volunteers. Large public celebrations can generate foot traffic for restaurants, bars, shops and hotels, while also providing a platform for local organizations and cultural groups.
For businesses that plan staffing, inventory and promotions around major annual events, the difference between a city-backed parade and a privately organized one may matter less than whether the crowds still arrive. For community groups, the challenge is ensuring that organizers, permits, insurance, funding and public-safety arrangements can be put in place in time.
Delray Beach has not announced a final private-sector plan for the Pride event, and the mayor’s efforts to preserve the parade have not yet resulted in a confirmed replacement organizer. The immediate position, therefore, is that the city will not host either event in 2027, while private groups explore whether at least some of the celebrations can continue independently.
The coming weeks are likely to determine whether the parade can retain its place on the community calendar under a different organizational model. For now, the cancellation announcement and the mayor’s subsequent search for private backing leave the future of both events unresolved.
Sources: Florida Senate — SB 1134; Florida Senate bill summary; Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade; City 2027 parade sponsorship profile; WPTV; WFLX; Reuters.