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Palm Beach HUD Grant Denied After DeSantis Anti-DEI Law

5/2/2026

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DeSantis Denies Grant

Governor Ron DeSantis signed an anti-DEI law on April 23 2026, triggering a HUD grant denial for the Compass Community Center.
Palm Beach County officials rejected Lake Worth’s $308,000 HUD request to repair the center’s air-conditioning and elevator.
City Commissioner Sarah Malega said officials examined tenants before denying the grant, expressing appall.
Julie Seaver called the denial a gut punch and warned city could lose Pride partnership.

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Abruzzo Restores Funding

County Administrator Joe Abruzzo reversed the denial, restoring $308,000 for essential repairs to the Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center.
Mayor Betty Resch and Palm Beach County commissioners voted to explore city funding for the center’s air-conditioning repairs.
Critics said the denial cited anti-DEI law SB 1134, which won’t take effect until 2027.
Julie Seaver called refusal frustrating but said counseling would continue and elevator repairs were funded.

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DeSantis Denies Grant

Governor Ron DeSantis signed an anti-DEI law on April 23 2026, triggering a HUD grant denial for the Compass Community Center.
Palm Beach County officials rejected Lake Worth’s $308,000 HUD request to repair the center’s air-conditioning and elevator.
City Commissioner Sarah Malega said officials examined tenants before denying the grant, expressing appall.
Julie Seaver called the denial a gut punch and warned city could lose Pride partnership.

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