Ron DeSantis almost let an LGBTQ+ org rot in the summer heat. It was saved by public outcry.https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2026/05/ron-desantis-almost-let-an-lgbtq-org-rot-in-the-summer-heat-until-outcry-over-his-anti-dei-law/ 🔗John Russell (4 May 2026)
Palm Beach County officials have restored funding for repairs on a city-owned building that houses an LGBTQ+ community center, after previously denying the request, citing Florida's recently passed anti-DEI law.
Last month, county housing officials rejected a request from the city of Lake Worth Beach for more than $300,000 in federal grant funding to repair the building's roof, air conditioning system, and elevator, The Palm Beach Post and CBS 12 reported.
The building in question is owned by the city, which rents space to Compass Community Center, South Florida's longest-running LGBTQ+ nonprofit. The organization has said that the repairs are necessary to keep the building safe and functional, and to comply with accessibility requirements.
According to the Post, the county's deputy housing and economic development director, Carlos Serrano, cited Florida's S.B. 1134 when he told city public works director Jamie Brown in an April 24 email that the county could not approve federal HUD funding for the project. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed the law prohibiting local governments from using taxpayer dollars to fund or promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, the day before Serrano sent his email to Brown.
...following the backlash, CBS 12 reported Friday that Palm Beach County Administrator Joe Abruzzo reversed the denial, restoring funding for the building's repairs.
