During a recent city commission meeting in St. Augustine, community members voiced their support for a proclamation aimed at promoting inclusivity and acceptance within the city. The meeting featured several speakers, including Bowie Forsyth and Miles Bonanno, who emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating diversity in St. Augustine.

Forsyth, a Flagler College alumnus, expressed pride in the city's welcoming nature and urged the commission to adopt the proclamation, highlighting the city's rich diversity. Bonanno, a 22-year-old Florida native and transgender individual, passionately shared his experiences and affirmed his identity, calling for solidarity and support from the city leaders. He emphasized that despite challenges, Florida remains his home, and he urged the commission to sign the proclamation in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

Other speakers, including Ruth Hope and Nadine Hughey, echoed similar sentiments, expressing gratitude for the city's commitment to inclusivity. Hughey reflected on her upbringing and the importance of understanding and acceptance, while Hope praised St. Augustine for its compassionate stance.

The meeting also included a moment of silence led by Vijay Kaledi, who raised concerns about property theft and the need for community prayer. However, the commission reminded Kaledi of the meeting's decorum and the need to treat all participants equally.

As the meeting concluded, the city manager outlined upcoming meetings and ordinances scheduled for discussion, indicating a continued focus on community engagement and governance. The discussions highlighted a collective desire among residents to foster an inclusive environment in St. Augustine, reinforcing the city's commitment to diversity and acceptance.