ST. CLOUD, Fla. – St. Cloud’s City Council is currently embroiled in controversy surrounding the recognition of Pride Month, particularly following the removal of the council’s first openly gay member, former Deputy Mayor Shawn Fletcher.

The council’s decision to pause proclamations for June, which included Pride Month, has raised concerns and sparked heated discussions.

During a recent council meeting, Mayor Chris Robertson addressed Fletcher’s inquiries regarding the council’s decision to halt the issuance of proclamations for Pride Month, Home Ownership Month, and Fatherhood Awareness Month.

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The council claimed that the pause was merely a review of policy and not specifically targeted at Pride Month. However, Fletcher’s public comments suggested otherwise, leading to tension.

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“I don’t think Father’s Day Awareness Day is a political thing, so to all of a sudden say we need to relook at the process, we don’t even know why. What is the reason?” Fletcher questioned during the meeting.

He further emphasized, “Why can’t we do it in July is my point?”

In response, Mayor Robertson highlighted the city’s support for an LGBTQ event called Proud In The Cloud, noting that the city had provided a grant of $1,250 for the event.

Despite this, the council voted to remove Fletcher from his position as deputy mayor, appointing another member in his place.

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In a statement released today, the city announced that at the request of Mayor Chris Robertson, the City Council Workshop scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, will now be a special City Council meeting. The agenda will include discussions regarding the Proud in the Cloud event planned for this Saturday.

Community reactions have been mixed, with many expressing the need for unity.

“I think people need to find a way to get along cause we’re going to destroy ourselves,” Mary Anne Meola, stated.