News Summary
St. Petersburg has unveiled its ambitious recovery plan, ‘Sunrise St. Pete’, supported by $159.8 million in funding to help the community rebuild post Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. The initiative focuses on disaster recovery programs, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvements, inviting community participation. Additionally, the city has allocated $2.2 million for disaster assistance aimed at residents and small businesses, with grants available up to $30,000 for households and $15,000 for businesses. Upcoming community events will further engage residents in shaping a resilient future.
St. Petersburg Kicks Off Ambitious Disaster Recovery Plan
The vibrant city of St. Petersburg is on the move with a new initiative called Sunrise St. Pete, aimed at helping the community recover from the recent challenges brought on by Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. With a hefty funding boost of $159.8 million coming from Community Development Block Grants, the city is gearing up to support long-term recovery, housing, and infrastructure improvements.
Catching Up on Recovery
As hurricanes have impacted many in the area, this initiative isn’t just a plan on paper. It’s designed to align the city’s disaster recovery and mitigation efforts with a broader vision for a resilient and equitable future. This means that St. Petersburg is not only looking to bounce back but also aims to enhance the quality of life for all its residents. The community is encouraged to step into the planning process, sharing their thoughts on key projects like affordable housing, economic revitalization, and community development.
Join the Conversation
If you’re a resident eager to involve yourself in the decision-making, show up at the community pop-up event during Mayor Ken Welch’s City Hall On Tour, which is set for March 26 at 5:30 p.m. This gathering will take place at the iconic Coliseum located at 535 Fourth Ave. N. It’s a great chance to learn more and voice your opinions about the future of St. Pete.
Financial Support for Those Affected
In addition to the grand plans for rebuilding, the city is also rolling out $2.2 million in disaster recovery assistance programs targeting residents, small business owners, and city employees who have felt the sting of the recent hurricanes. This funding comes from a mix of state and federal resources, along with the city’s We Are St. Pete Fund.
Households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) can tap into the Housing Disaster Assistance Program, which provides loans for individuals earning up to 140% AMI. If you’re running a small business that was operational before September 15, 2024 and has 50 or fewer employees, the Small Business Disaster Assistance Program is offering grants and loans aimed specifically at helping with storm-related damages.
How Much Can You Get?
Eligible households looking to recover from storm damages can access grants and loans totaling up to $30,000 to help with repairs, insurance deductibles, and even utility bills. For local businesses, there are grants that range from $2,500 to $15,000. These funds can help businesses recover from storm damages and manage temporary relocation costs, ensuring they can get back on their feet as swiftly as possible.
Support for City Employees
St. Petersburg city employees who have been negatively impacted by the hurricanes also have tailored support through the Employee Housing Disaster Assistance Program.
Applications for the Housing Disaster Assistance Program are already open, while small businesses can begin applying for assistance starting on April 2. Keep in mind that applications will be processed on a first-come, first-qualified basis, so it’s a good idea to act quickly. For anyone seeking more information, including application details, head over to www.stpete.org/recoveryfund.
Celebrations and Community Events
In other exciting news, St. Petersburg College has announced that all 2024 Physical Therapist Assistant graduates successfully passed the National Physical Therapy Exam on their first attempt! That’s certainly something to cheer about.
Darla Otey-Murphy, the executive director of Girls Inc. of Tampa Bay, is being honored at the First Lady in African American History award ceremony on March 30. This is a fantastic recognition of the work being done in the community!
And if you’re looking to learn something new, free virtual workshops on water conservation will kick off starting March 25 and will be available monthly through July 12. Mark your calendars, as these can be valuable for everyone interested in preserving our water resources.
As a final note, residents should be aware that the Pinellas Park Police Department is warning about ongoing phone scams where impersonators are claiming to be police officers. Stay vigilant and protect yourself.
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Additional Resources
- The Weekly Challenger: Hurricane Recovery Funding
- MSN: Clearwater Beach Spring Break Amid Recovery
- St. Pete Catalyst: Pinellas Tourism Recovery
- Fox 13 News: St. Pete Mayor on Housing and Recovery
- WTSP: St. Pete Temporary Debris Site Closure
- Wikipedia: Hurricane
- Google Search: Hurricane Recovery
- Google Scholar: Hurricane Recovery Programs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane Impact
- Google News: St. Petersburg Hurricane Recovery
