Chris Latvala leads Faith and Family Month recognition as Pinellas skips Pride proclamation

Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala says his push for a Faith and Family Month proclamation was not intended as a slight to LGBTQ+ residents, even as the county declined to issue a separate Pride Month proclamation this year.

The proclamation recognizes June 2026 as Faith and Family Month, encouraging churches, faith-based organizations, businesses and community groups to host service days, youth activities and educational events aimed at strengthening families and community connections.

It also says families who worship and practice their faith together are strengthened by shared values, compassion, service and mutual support, contributing to a “healthier, safer, and more productive Pinellas County.”

The county did not hold a formal presentation for the measure, but Latvala released information about it online after all Pinellas County Commissioners signed. He added that he modeled the proclamation after one Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector issued last year.

Latvala said he views the proclamation as a broad recognition of faith and family, and not a declaration limited to one religion.

“It’s not meant to be disrespectful to any other group,” Latvala said. “I believe that, as a society and in Pinellas County, if there was more attention paid to faith as a whole and family as a whole, we would be in a much better place.”

The decision has drawn attention because Pinellas County has previously recognized Pride Month, and St. Petersburg is home to one of the largest Pride celebrations in the country.

Latvala said the Faith and Family proclamation was not meant as counterprogramming to Pride Month or as a statement supporting a specific religious group. He also pointed to other governments that have issued similar proclamations, including the state of Florida under Gov. Ron DeSantis and Pasco County. Latvala also said St. Petersburg issued a variation of the recognition.

Still, Latvala said another Commissioner later asked whether members still wanted to sign onto a Pride proclamation. Even without a formal presentation, he declined.

“I think that the lack of a Pride proclamation is just, you know, it’s a sheet of paper,” Latvala said. “There’s still ways for that community to celebrate. We’re not withholding any rights for that community. They’re still able to have their parades, and there are other demonstrations.”

Latvala also made clear the county’s decision was not driven by a new state law targeting diversity, equity and inclusion programs in local government.

He added that Commissioners have discussed the law in the context of county funding and some county programs, and that Pinellas intends to comply with state law. But he said that was separate from the proclamation.

“We are going to follow state law, but with this proclamation it doesn’t have anything to do with it,” he said.

Latvala said he would be willing to meet with residents who disagree with him, and added that he represents all constituents equally.

“I’m their Commissioner, whether they agree with me or not, and I’m proud to have people in my district that are from all walks of life and all different communities,” Latvala said.