‘We’re not going anywhere:’ Fernandina Beach Pride Festival marches on despite controversy

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Thousands turned out on Saturday for the third annual Fernandina Pride Festival and Parade, which has grown every year since it started back in 2019.

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“It’s really doubled in three years,” event organizer Genece Minshew told Action News Jax. “We had to take time off during the pandemic, of course, but we had a great year last year and are looking for a great year this year.”

With the festival back for its third year, Action News Jax’s Logan MacDonald asked people why community events like this one are so important.

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“Pride means freedom for everybody. Everybody has rights,” said Linwood Donaldson.

“[Pride is] the freedom to love who you love and be who you are,” Hadden said with a smile.

However, the event didn’t go on without some controversy.

Action News Jax first reported in March that a group of Fernandina Beach residents were trying to get the event’s permits revoked. Even though that effort failed, a small group protested at the festival on Saturday morning.

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“I hate that they have so much misinformation that they spread,” Minshew told Action News Jax at the event.

Nonetheless, Minshew said that the LGBTQ+ community remains undeterred.

“The LGBT[Q+] community in Fernandina Beach and Nassau County is here. We’ve been here forever. We’re not going anywhere. We are a valuable part of this community, and we’re looking forward to this event every year,” she said.

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Fernandina Beach Pride Festival & Parade

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