Reversal of DEI decision at Compass

DEI law Reversed by Joe Abruzzo on Compass LGBTQ+ center project

Lake Worth Beach commissioners on April 28 redirected a federal grant request away from the Compass Community Center after city staff said a new Florida law targeting local diversity, equity and inclusion programs would prevent the original project from moving forward.

The commission voted to use its next-ranked Community Development Block Grant project — lighting improvements at Memorial Field — after learning Palm Beach County would not approve the city’s earlier request for air-conditioning and elevator work at the city-owned Compass building.

The decision came less than a week after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 1134, a new state law barring counties and municipalities from funding, promoting or implementing DEI initiatives. The law also requires grant recipients to certify that public money will not be used to advance DEI and includes enforcement provisions for violations.

Commissioner Sarah Malega sharply criticized the outcome, saying she was “appalled” that a city-owned building would be denied improvements because of who its tenant is.

Vice Mayor Mimi May similarly urged the city to find another funding source quickly so Compass would not have to wait through another budget cycle.

Commissioner Christopher McVoy said the action conflicted with Lake Worth Beach’s values as a city that welcomes different groups and supports inclusion.

In a swift reversal, Palm Beach County has approved funding for improvements at Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach, backing off an earlier denial tied to Florida’s new anti-DEI law.

“We sincerely appreciate Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo’s decision to do what is right by reversing the [Department of Housing and Economic Development] staff’s determination,” she said. “At the same time, this moment underscores a deeper concern: when laws or policies are written or interpreted too vaguely, they can open the door to decisions that stray from their intended purpose and create real harm in our communities.”

Sarah Malega said once the issue reached the desk of Abruzzo, he quickly intervened to reverse the decision. “It was fantastic. He said he will always be supportive of the LGBTQ community,” she said. “It's nice when elected officials do what's right because it's the right thing to do. I’m just really proud of Palm Beach County.”

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