Visit Lauderdale, the public dollar-funded tourism agency, wanted to send a political message with its float in the 135th annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. According to the Los Angeles Times:Stacy Ritter knew she had to do something big to distinguish Fort Lauderdale from Ron DeSantis. The Florida governor had spent more than a year attacking LGBTQ+ rights, and the Broward County seat was suffering. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-12-31/rose-parade-2024-visit-lauderdaleWhat did Ritter and Visit Lauderdale pay for? A brussel sprout-festooned float with a rapper, dancers, some Florida Panthers supporters and way too much blue smoke.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 01, 2024 21:31 UTC