FORT LAUDERDALE Fla. – Thousands of people packed the streets of Fort Lauderdale for the 18th annual “Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival” Saturday morning.
“The Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival not only will raise more than $2 million for local HIV/AIDS services but also will include a call to action for attendees to speak out against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ discriminatory and hateful “Don’t Say Gay” bill,” the AIDS Healthcare Foundation said in a news release.
Internationally acclaimed rapper, singer and composer Flo Rida also performed for the crowd after the 5k walk.
Flo Rida, a Carol City native, launched his career in 2008 with his breakout single “Low” and has sold more than 80 million records worldwide.
AHF is the world’s largest nonprofit HIV/AIDS service organization.
Event organizers said they expect more than 2,000 attendees and will raise more than $2 million for 12 local, non-profit organizations providing HIV/AIDS services throughout the South Florida community.
The event also featured children’s games, food trucks, various family-focused activities, and resource booths sharing information on health and wellness services.
About HIV/AIDS in Florida
According to recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Florida ranks in the top five states in the number of new HIV diagnoses.
- Three Florida cities made the nation’s top 15 when it comes to the number of people living with HIV. Miami is at the top of the list.
- Jacksonville and Orlando hold the 10th and 11th spots
- Miami-Dade and Broward counties ranked top in the state for new HIV diagnoses.