Winter Pride at the Resort

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At a moment when LGBTQIA+ visibility is being challenged nationwide, Winter Pride Saint Pete is responding with light, visibility, and purpose.

During Winter Pride Saint Pete, the city skyline will be illuminated by a large-scale rainbow laser display for three nights — Thursday, Feb. 19; Friday, Feb. 20; and Saturday, Feb. 21. Branded as Global Rainbow: We Rise in Light, the powerful beams of light will be projected from atop the Mari Jean Hotel on Central Avenue and will be visible from up to 60 miles away, serving as a bold symbol of visibility, resilience, and belonging.

The rainbow laser installation is being provided by Global Rainbow, led by internationally recognized artist Yvette Mattern, whose large-scale laser works have appeared in major cities around the world, including New York City, Miami, London, Provincetown, Las Vegas, and Berlin. More of her work can be seen at www.yvettemattern.com.

While the removal of the rainbow crosswalk in St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District resonated deeply within the community, Global Rainbow: We Rise in Light represents a broader statement.

“This is about more than one crosswalk,” said Rob Hall, executive director of Winter Pride Saint Pete. “It’s about the growing voices in Tallahassee and Washington that are actively trying to erase LGBTQIA+ people from public life. This is our response. We are choosing light over fear, visibility over silence, and love over erasure.”

The Global Rainbow: We Rise in Light installation will take place during Winter Pride Saint Pete, Feb. 15–22, a weeklong celebration featuring events, performances, community gatherings, and cultural experiences across the city. Organizers say the celebration reinforces St. Petersburg’s role as a welcoming, year-round LGBTQIA+ destination at a time when visibility matters more than ever.

The project has received initial funding from Inclusive Care Group (ICG) as the first major contributor, along with donations from individuals across the community who believe in standing up for inclusion, dignity, and belonging. The project is not yet fully funded, and additional support is required to deliver the installation as planned.

“For many in our community, these lights are meant to be a reminder that they are not alone,” Hall said. “This is a project we’re building together, and we’re inviting others to help us bring it to life.”

David Fischer, owner and operator of the Mari Jean Hotel and a board member of Winter Pride Saint Pete, said the venue was proud to support the effort.

“This project reflects the heart of St. Petersburg and the strength of its community,” Fischer said.

Winter Pride Saint Pete debuted in 2025, welcoming more than 57,000 attendees during its first year. The organization returns in 2026 with expanded programming during one of the city’s peak outdoor seasons.

To commemorate the moment, Winter Pride Saint Pete partnered with local artist Chad Mize to create a limited-edition World Tour–inspired t-shirt celebrating the rainbow laser display. Each city represented on the design features a different color, together forming a full rainbow and offering a tangible way for supporters to carry the message of visibility forward.

Winter Pride Saint Pete will also host the Global Rainbow: We Rise in Light Launch Gathering on Thursday, Feb. 19, beginning at 5 p.m., with the official lighting of the lasers taking place at dusk. The public is invited to gather in front of the Mari Jean Hotel, 2349 Central Ave., St. Petersburg above COCKtail, as the city is illuminated in light, color, and pride.

Become part of the movement to bring the lasers to life.

Donors will have the opportunity to join Winter Pride leadership at an exclusive pre-event gathering and help flip the switch to power on the lasers — standing for visibility and making history together.