-West Palm Beach, By Jillian Ali
PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — As Palm Beach Pride week kicks off in Lake Worth Beach for the 33rd year, questions are rising not just about celebration, but about cost, priorities, and accountability in government funding.
The annual event has drawn tens of thousands over the years, but organizers now say the parade may not return next year — not because of lack of interest, but because of skyrocketing expenses and shrinking federal support.
Businesses like the “Tacky Tourist” expect a short-term bump in sales, but that alone doesn’t justify the growing burden placed on taxpayers. Additional security measures — including more law enforcement and upgraded barricades — are costing organizers an extra $21,000 this year alone, nearly doubling the cost from last year.
Compass, the nonprofit that organizes Palm Beach Pride and also runs the Compass Community Center, is now sounding the alarm over its finances. But what’s really drawing scrutiny is their heavy reliance on federal funding — taxpayer money — to fund services that cater to a specific segment of the population.
CEO Julie Seaver revealed that Compass operates on a $4.5 million budget, with over 50% funded by federal grants. That means millions of dollars in taxpayer funds — from hardworking Americans across the country — are going to support programs not all Americans benefit from.
“We all need this festival more than any other year,” said Seaver. But critics argue that in a time of economic uncertainty, inflation, and national debt, the federal government has no business funding niche programs or festivals that don’t serve the broader American public.
Instead of depending on federal grants, organizations like Compass should be turning to private sponsorships, local fundraising, and ticket sales — the way other events and community programs do. But even Seaver admits that sponsorship dollars are shrinking, suggesting a lack of private sector support to keep things afloat.
Worse yet, Compass says it hasn’t seen notice of renewed grant funding and is at risk of losing millions when current contracts expire this June. Their programs include HIV resources, youth outreach, and mental health services — services already covered by broader health departments and nonprofits that serve all people, not just one group.
Despite that, Compass hopes to raise fees on sponsors and ticket buyers to try and fill the funding gap, and they’re searching for a “generous sponsor” to rescue next year’s parade.
Bottom line: Palm Beach Pride may still draw crowds, but its financial troubles underscore a bigger issue — whether federal tax dollars should continue to fund organizations that serve narrow interests while the rest of America pays the bill. Many Americans, especially under a Trump-led vision for the country, believe it’s time to prioritize funding for all Americans, not just a select few.
After all, patriotism means protecting the integrity of how taxpayer money is spent — and ensuring it’s used to benefit the entire nation, not just a political or social agenda.
