Full Breakdown
Florida County Reverses DEI-Linked Funding Denial for Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center
5/2/2026, 10:20:53 AM
Anti-DEI Law and the Compass Center: Context
SB 1134, Florida’s anti-DEI law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April 2024, bars local governments from supporting programs based on sexual orientation or gender identity and takes effect in 2027. The Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center, founded in 1988, operates from a city-owned building in Lake Worth, providing HIV/AIDS care and youth services.
Timeline of Key Decisions
April 23 2024 – Gov. DeSantis signs SB 1134.
April 24 2024 – Palm Beach County denies Lake Worth’s $302-$308 k HUD grant for AC and elevator repairs, citing the law.
April 28 2024 – Commissioners Sarah Malega and Mimi May publicly criticize the denial.
April 30 2024 – Administrator Joe Abruzzo reverses the decision and restores the funding.
Funding Request and Legal Controversy
The City of Lake Worth asked for $302,000–$308,000 from a HUD Community Development Block Grant to replace Compass Center’s air-conditioning and repair its elevator. County officials cited SB 1134, claiming the money could be seen as supporting a DEI program, even though the law is not enforceable until 2027. No specific provision was identified.
Official Statements & Responses
Administrator Joe Abruzzo said restoring the money “would break no laws” and stressed keeping the facility safe. Deputy housing director Carlos Serrano emailed city staff citing the new law as the basis for denial but gave no detail on the alleged violation. Compass emphasized the request was for building maintenance, not programming, and noted the law was not yet in force. Mayor Betty Resch pledged to explore funding.
Criticism & Opposition
Commissioner Sarah Malega condemned the denial, arguing that the building’s public ownership, not its LGBTQ+ tenant, should determine eligibility. Commissioner Mimi May asked whether the city could fund the air-conditioning to avoid service disruption, calling the county’s reliance on SB 1134 an overreach.
Data & Statistics
The request ranged $302,000–$308,000; SB 1134 effective 2027. Compass received $1.9 million in 2025 government grants.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact grant amount and inclusion of elevator repairs. Law’s signing date is reported as April 23 and April 30. County officials did not specify which statutory provision they feared violating.
Verbatim Quotes
“I’m very comfortable reversing the decision and putting it back on schedule, because approving the money this year would break no laws,” — Joe Abruzzo, Palm Beach County Administrator
“It shouldn’t matter who our tenant is in a building. It’s a city-owned building,” — Sarah Malega, City Commissioner
“This situation is frustrating, but it does not define us,” — Julie Seaver, CEO, Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center
“ Compass should not be punished for either "our lack of maintenance" of the building or the new state law, she added.” — Mimi May, City Commissioner
Implications & Next Steps
The case highlights how pending DEI restrictions can impede facility repairs, raising concerns for health services. Lake Worth will seek alternative funding and continue discussions with the county to resolve the dispute.
