Residents urge Coral Springs city leaders to prevent a Muslim group from holding its annual conference at the city arts center
Coral Springs, Florida – Tensions flared Wednesday evening at a city commission meeting in Coral Springs as eight speakers addressed elected officials, urging them to prevent the South Florida Muslim Federation from holding its annual conference at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. The public comment session became a forum for residents voicing concerns over the group’s presence, accusing the organization of hosting speakers they described as antisemitic and labeling some members as affiliated with terrorist organizations.
“Coral Springs, by complacency or complicity, has decided to provide the arts center this coming weekend, a tax-funded facility, to the group South Florida Muslim Federation for its annual conference,” said Rabbi Simcha Goldstein, who misstated the event’s scheduled dates. “Members of this group include organizations that have been determined to be terrorist organizations.”
According to the federation’s website, the annual conference is scheduled for January 30 and 31 with the theme of “embracing hope.” While the website and the group’s social media posts publicize the conference, they do not disclose the exact location of the event. A call to the federation on Thursday was not returned prior to publication.
City officials confirmed that the Coral Springs Center for the Arts will host the event. However, Mayor Scott Brook emphasized that federal and state laws prevent the city from denying a public facility to any group based on religious beliefs or speech. “As a public entity, the city cannot deny or restrict facility use based on an organization’s religious beliefs, political viewpoints, or background,” Brook said. “Nor does the rental of a city facility constitute endorsement of the views, positions, or messages of any renter.”
Brook stressed that the city is not sponsoring, hosting, or organizing the conference. The venue was rented by a registered nonprofit organization, which, like many other groups, is allowed to use city facilities on a content-neutral basis. He also spoke about his personal experiences, sharing his Jewish upbringing and a recent conference on antisemitism in New Orleans, where he witnessed epithets directed at his group during a procession. “That was the first time I was a direct victim of antisemitism,” Brook said, noting the importance of maintaining legal neutrality while ensuring public safety.
Several residents referenced a similar situation two years ago, when the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center canceled the federation’s annual gathering over security concerns. That cancellation led to a civil rights lawsuit and a federal investigation into the city’s involvement. “We could not get those officers within that time,” explained Coral Springs City Attorney John J. Hearn. “So, Marriott canceled, and they canceled it based on concerns for safety.” Ultimately, the city was dismissed from the case, though the results of the Department of Justice investigation remain unclear.
During Wednesday’s meeting, speakers pressed city leaders on issues of public safety and the perceived risk of hosting the conference. Some claimed that allowing the federation to use the arts center endangered residents and questioned the city’s judgment. Despite these criticisms, city officials repeatedly emphasized their legal obligations and the limits of municipal authority.
Brook acknowledged the speakers’ concerns while underscoring the city’s commitment to protecting all residents. He pointed to the rigorous planning and coordination undertaken by city staff to ensure safety during public events. The mayor highlighted that the city cannot act as a gatekeeper based on a group’s religious or political identity. “Coral Springs staff work diligently to provide safe environments for everyone who uses our facilities,” he said.
City leaders also explained that event organizers requested additional police officers for security in the days leading up to the conference, a request that could not be fulfilled in the short time frame. This limitation underscores the challenges municipalities face in balancing public safety with legal compliance.
The debate in Coral Springs reflects broader national tensions over religious freedom, civil rights, and public safety. Residents’ concerns about the federation are juxtaposed with the city’s legal obligation to provide equal access to public facilities, highlighting the delicate balance between protecting constitutional rights and addressing community fears.
For now, city officials maintain that the event will proceed as scheduled at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts. They continue to coordinate security measures and monitor developments, emphasizing that all public gatherings must be conducted safely and within the bounds of the law. Mayor Brook’s remarks and the city’s stance make it clear that, despite opposition, Coral Springs will adhere to legal standards and content-neutral policies for facility rentals.
As the conference approaches, tensions are likely to persist, reflecting ongoing debates over the intersection of civil liberties, public perception, and community safety. Coral Springs officials are faced with the challenging task of ensuring that residents feel secure while upholding the constitutional rights of groups using public venues—a balance that requires careful planning, transparency, and unwavering adherence to the law.
