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South Miami designates June as Pride Month; commissioners split over flying the Pride flag
Summary
The commission adopted a resolution recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and directed the city manager to fly the Pride flag after a 3–1 vote that exposed a split over whether the city should fly non‑national flags.
The City of South Miami commission voted on June 3 to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and to direct the city manager to fly the Pride flag, passing the add-on resolution by a recorded 3–1 vote.
The item was introduced as an add-on and sponsored by a commissioner who said the gesture is a "relatively small thing" that signals welcome to LGBTQ+ residents and visitors and aligns with county and neighboring municipalities’ observances. "It's a relatively small thing we can do to show our support," the sponsor said.
One commissioner objected to flying non‑national flags, asking whether the city should reserve flagpoles for the American and Florida flags and questioning consistency given many recognized awareness months. That commissioner suggested proclamations could be used to show support without flying additional flags: "Flying a flag... should be reserved for the ones we're seeing right over there." The sponsor and others said flying the Pride flag is one of several ways the city can show inclusion and that other cities, including Coral Gables, fly awareness flags on occasion.
The resolution passed. The clerk recorded the vote as 3 in favor, 1 opposed; commissioners discussed bringing forward a separate item at a future meeting about flying additional flags for other causes or communities.
The measure directs the city manager to fly the Pride flag during June; next steps could include a scheduled ceremonial flag‑raising and coordination with countywide Pride events.
