35-40K are expected at the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade

WILTON MANORS, Fla. – Wilton Drive was already packed with people Saturday night ahead of the annual Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade, which celebrates South Florida’s large LGBTQ population.

Wilton Manors itself is nationally known for having a high proportion of LGBTQ residents.

The organizers expected up to 40,000 visitors to see the 7:00 p.m. parade.

According to the city, Wilton Manors generates more than a million dollars in economic impact each year during Pride, but attendees said there’s a lot more to it than just raising money in the area.

“It’s a very tough time for LGBT people in Florida, so you know where we’re coming from, but today is about celebration, friendship and love, and that’s what the gay community is about,” said attendee Antonio Cenceno.

The celebration comes a year later A fatal crash overshadowed the opportunity in 2021.

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One problem the city encountered this year was cost.

In light of recent mass shootings across the country and documented threats of violence at Pride events, officials said Event security bill has risen widely from around $50,000 to $92,000.

The street festival was scheduled to run until 11 p.m. on Saturday night.