Correction, June 3, 2025 5:52 pm: An earlier version of this story misstated who accepted the Faith and Family Month proclamation. Believers' Fellowship Church minister Jonathan Allegato accepted it on behalf of Pastor Jon Friedt, who was out of town.
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On Monday, Mayor Bill Mutz read Lakeland’s traditional proclamation declaring June to be LGBTQ+ Pride Month.
Then 34 members of local churches joined the mayor in front of the City Commission dais to accept their own proclamation declaring June to be Faith and Family Month in Lakeland.
Believers’ Fellowship Church minister Jonathan Allegato accepted the recognition on behalf of Pastor Jon Friedt, who was out of town. Friedt has often spoken out against Pride events.
One park, two events: Allegato announced that there will be an inaugural Fam Fest honoring “faith, family and fathers” at Munn Park from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday. The event will emphasize conservative Christian values. It will feature a car show, live music, games and food trucks.
One week later, Polk Pride will host its annual Pride in the Park celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with vendors, entertainment and a rainbow flag parade around Munn Park.
It is the biggest event of a weeklong lineup that includes an interfaith celebration at Beacon Hill Fellowship at 7 p.m. Thursday.
A vibrant, inclusive community: The peaceful parallel existence of both groups is a profound moment for Mutz, who is not seeking reelection after almost eight years in office.
The mayor, a man of deep personal faith who helped to found Grace City Church, has responded to past criticism of the Pride proclamation by saying he has one task in this lifetime.
“Our responsibility is not to criticize people’s particular lifestyle, it is to love unconditionally,” Mutz has said.
“That is the doorway to relationship, and relationships are where we create thriving growth in life.”
During his tenure, Mutz has trumpeted the city’s vision of being a “vibrant, innovative, culturally inclusive world-class community” that is people-centric and honors everyone.
He said the idea for a Faith and Family month originated with Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector last year and quickly spread to different cities. Mutz spoke about it with Friedt last fall, which led to Friedt formally requesting a proclamation.
Events
Rose Dynasty Center’s first anniversary: In addition to events sponsored by Polk Pride, Lakeland’s first LGBTQ+ resource and support center will celebrate its one-year anniversary with an open house and refreshments at 2 p.m. Sunday.
The Rose Dynasty Center, at 1253 W. Memorial Blvd., offers medical care, counseling, support groups and social events.
Some cities nix Pride: As Lakeland has worked to accommodate different groups, other Florida municipalities have scaled back or canceled Pride observations.
Polk County Commissioners rejected a Pride proclamation in 2023, as did Auburndale, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Lake Hamilton, Lake Wales, Polk City, and Polk County Public Schools.
Last week, St. Cloud decided to pause all proclamations.
Nearby municipalities that have continued to issue proclamations include Bartow, Clearwater, Davenport, Dundee, Haines City, Hillsborough County, Lake Alfred, Mulberry, St. Petersburg, Tampa and Winter Haven.
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