Delray Beach Mayor Tom Carney says he is exploring a private-sector plan to keep the city’s 2027 St. Patrick’s Day Parade alive. The city had announced it would cancel the event after a new state law took effect.
The law, Senate Bill 1134, limits local governments from funding, promoting or taking official actions tied to certain diversity, equity and inclusion activities. Carney said the city’s annual Pride Festival is also affected. He said staff quickly realized the definition could cover both events.
After the cancellation, Carney said he received about 50 emails by Saturday from residents asking what the city was doing. He said the St. Patrick’s Day Parade was once a private event, and his family had helped underwrite it in the past.
Carney said he has contacted several potential supporters, and others have offered to help fund the parade. He said people have already submitted applications to organize it. He also said private groups could take on the Pride Festival if they want to.
Residents said losing either event would hurt local businesses and families who look forward to the celebrations. Carney said talks are still early, but he expects the parade to go on as scheduled in 2027. The city has not announced a final plan for either event.
The legislation takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.
