Miami entrepreneur Marc Roberts urges opposition to Florida Islamic centers

Marc Roberts, a cofounder of the Miami-based E11even entertainment brand, has sent a mass email urging Florida residents to pressure Governor Ron DeSantis and local mayors to block the construction of several Islamic centers.

The proposed developments are located in Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, and Vero Beach. In his communication, Roberts cited a ‘biblical worldview’ and warned that the projects could impact the state’s religious and cultural landscape, referencing Dearborn, Michigan, as a cautionary example.

One specific project near Delray Beach, which includes a mosque, school, and daycare facility on a 10-acre site, has already received administrative approval. The project has faced significant local controversy; recent community meetings have seen protests, including incidents involving antisemitic slurs and hateful imagery.

While Roberts’ email alluded to unsavory funding sources, it did not identify specific organizations or provide evidence for its claims. Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs noted that while she supports reviewing zoning rules, the current development process for houses of worship does not grant her the authority to halt approved projects.