St. Pete parade celebrates gay pride

St. Petersburg, Florida - The largest gay pride event in the state of Florida made its way through the streets of Downtown St. Petersburg Saturday. 80,000 people were expected.

Some participants rode their motorcycles in the St. Pete Pride Parade while others walked carrying banners. Kori Stevens and Ken Dartanyan were among the participants celebrating gay pride at the event.

Stevens says, "It's pretty important for the community. I think it's important that we all band together whenever it's possible because we do face a lot of adversity and to do something like this and come together and be able to overcome it is a good thing for all of us."

Dartanyan says, "We're a family and for everybody to show up today and show their support for gay pride and what we stand for, it's a big deal. It's a big deal for us."

The gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community, from not only the Tampa Bay area but from around the world, takes part in the parade each year, while others line the streets to see the floats and catch the beads.

This was the 8th year for the parade.