Jacksonville dot com
By ADAM AASEN, The Times-Union

Hundreds of people, gay and straight, attended the 29th annual Tides of Change festival, a celebration ending two weeks of events aimed at uniting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual community.

Local gay rights group First Coast Pride held events including a block party, a parade, parties and live music. Pride Week ends tonight with comedian Jason Stuart at 8:30 p.m. at the Metro, 2929 Plum St.

Aaron Solomon, volunteer coordinator for First Coast Pride, said organizers wanted an event to which couples of various backgrounds could bring their children. He said it was great that straight people helped build unity and acceptance.