Pembroke Pines mayor laments DEI bill may end city heritage month proclamations
In a “break of tradition” at Wednesday’s City Commission meeting, Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo warned residents that a new state law could affect the city’s ability to issue ceremonial proclamations.
The meeting, which drew a packed crowd in support of the A1 athletics roulette cheerleading team that was recognized by commissioners for its national championship achievements, may have also marked one of the final times the city issues certain heritage month proclamations, Castillo said.
“It’s very likely that these will be the last time that as mayor I will be able to present these proclamations because a new state law has been passed,” Castillo said before presenting proclamations recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month and Haitian American Heritage Month.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law on April 22 following the 2026 legislative session. The measure prohibits counties and municipalities from “funding, promoting or taking official action related to diversity, equity and inclusion,” with exceptions for state and federal holidays and observances.
An April 1 internal memo from the city attorney’s office says the city may need to eliminate or reallocate funding tied to city-sponsored events that are not explicitly protected. Federal observances such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Juneteenth and Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations appear to be safe.
However, the memo noted other events, including the city’s upcoming Caribbean Heritage Festival “may be prohibited by the Bill because Caribbean Heritage Month is not designated as an observance at the state or federal level and makes specific reference to ethnicity.”
The law, which city officials have stated is broad and has multiple interpretations, also creates penalties for local officials who violate its provisions, including possible removal from office.
“It defines diversity, equity and inclusion to mean any effort to promote based on a person’s or group’s race, color, sex, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation shall be prohibited by local governments,” Castillo said.
The memo also states the city’s Diversity and Heritage Advisory Board “may not be able to legally exist in its current form and with its current mission.” The city may need to look at revising the board’s name and responsibilities to comply with the law.
The mayor said he wanted the young people in attendance to understand how the legislation could change the tone of their local government.
“I never do this, but I’m glad young people are here because I need them to understand it,” Castillo said. “We in Pembroke Pines have from the start— and we’re 66 years old now as a community— we have from the start been an incredibly beautiful, diverse family of residents.”
He described diversity, inclusion and equity as foundational American values, arguing diversity reflects who Americans are, inclusion is necessary for unity, and equity is rooted in constitutional equal protection.
Castillo also quoted former President Ronald Reagan’s farewell address while speaking about immigration and identity in the United States.
While acknowledging some residents may disagree with his perspective and comments, Castillo said disagreements about community values should remain at the local level.
“I don’t want somebody 640 miles away deciding by one standard what’s best for us and best for the whole state,” Castillo said. “’Cause the last time I looked, we sent them there to lower home insurance rates, not tell us how to believe and what to do and how to keep a community together that is very much together.”
Before presenting the Haitian American Heritage Month proclamation, Castillo said the law places local officials in a difficult position.
“Our efforts to celebrate all of us together could result in our inability to do anything else for you, and I resent it,” he said.
Resident and member of the city’s Diversity and Heritage Board Ronald Surin accepted the Haitian American Heritage Month proclamation, thanking city leaders and praising the diversity he sees within Pembroke Pines.
“Tallahasse may change the law, but the government cannot change our heart,” Surin said. “We’ll continue to be a community where we all live and grow with each other.”
Surin also spoke of the difficulty the Haitian diaspora is facing as Temporary Protection Status for Haitians living in the U.S. hangs in the balance.
Commissioner Jay D. Schwartz accepted the Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation.
The city’s internal memo from also outlines how the law could begin to affect future city budgets. While the current 2025-26 fiscal year budget would not be impacted because the law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, city officials were advised to prepare for changes in the upcoming budget cycle.
