Deerfield Beach residents push for increased funding for Juneteenth celebrations

The City of Deerfield Beach held a budget workshop on July 10, 2025, where city officials and residents discussed key funding allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting focused on various budgetary concerns, particularly regarding community events and departmental funding.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the allocation of funds for the Juneteenth celebration. Several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the proposed budget of $50,000, arguing that it was insufficient given the event's success in the previous year. Resident Dan Hurst highlighted the disparity in funding, noting that $310,000 was allocated for Pioneer Days, while Juneteenth received significantly less. Hurst emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution of funds to reflect the success and importance of the Juneteenth event.

Another resident, Mister Adams, echoed these sentiments, advocating for additional funding for cultural events, specifically requesting money for music soirees in the park. He pointed out that many constituents in District 2 were eager for such events and urged city officials to consider setting aside funds for this purpose.

Annette Mitchell, a member of the African American Heritage Board, also supported the call for increased funding for Juneteenth, praising the efforts of city staff in organizing the event and expressing hope for its growth in the future.

The meeting concluded with no further public input, and a motion to adjourn was made and seconded, marking the end of the workshop. The discussions highlighted community engagement and the importance of equitable funding for cultural events in Deerfield Beach.