ST. CLOUD, Fla. – After a hiatus in issuing proclamations for June, St. Cloud is revisiting its approach to this civic process.

In June 2025, a special St. Cloud City Council meeting focused on “Proud in the Cloud” sparked a conversation about the allocation of $1,250 in public funds to the event. A resident voiced concerns about the expenditure.

“I oppose my tax dollars being used to endorse this Pride event. It’s merely a celebration of a sexual preference and an alternative lifestyle,” the individual remarked.

This discussion emerged in the wake of the council’s earlier decision to refrain from issuing any proclamations for June. The move led to a clash between Mayor Chris Robertson and Shawn Fletcher, the city’s first openly gay council member and former Deputy Mayor.

Fletcher was ousted from his deputy mayor position following the council’s dissatisfaction with his handling of the proclamation decision, hinting at an unwillingness to back Pride Month.

Shawn Fletcher talked to News 6 about the decision in June

“I absolutely believe it could have been handled differently in that I’m going to leave it at that,” he said.

“Proud in the Cloud” went on with over 1,500 attendees, with Fletcher saying he wanted to bring the issue of proclamation back up.

“I do think that we’re going to look at the processes and next year I hope to have a pride proclamation back on the agenda,” Fletcher said.

Fast forward to January 2026, the council will hold a workshop to reevaluate how it issues proclamations.

“When I heard all about this last year on the news, I just thought why does it affect other people if it’s not pertaining to them? St. Cloud resident Corbin Warrick said. “Why is it such a big deal?”

Some residents believe the city should issue community support proclamations because they can unite St. Cloud.

“We live in a society where it’s like a melting pot and I think it’s great to celebrate each person. If you’re not someone that’s not interested in that, then just don’t participate in it,” Emma Alexandre said.

In addition to Pride Month, the council also voted not to issue proclamations for Homeownership Month or Fatherhood Awareness Month.

The workshop is Thursday at 2:30 p.m.