Elevate It: A New Era of Pride in the 2020s

The 2020s began with global disruption as the COVID-19 pandemic forced Pride organizations everywhere to pause. In Jacksonville, events were postponed or canceled to protect public health. But the pause was not the end. By 2021, the community began to rebuild with smaller, safer events. Jax River City Pride worked with city leaders to ensure that Pride would return in a way that was both joyful and responsible.

In 2023, history was made when Mayor Donna Deegan became the first sitting Jacksonville mayor to serve as Grand Marshal of the Pride Parade. That same year, Deutsche Bank became the presenting sponsor, and Five Points debuted Jacksonville's first rainbow crosswalks. These weren’t just symbolic wins—they were cultural milestones that signaled real progress. The 2020s have proven that Jax River City Pride isn’t just back—it’s here to lead the way forward.