Pinellas County commissioners unanimously approved a contract with Horne LLP to manage more than $813 million in federal hurricane recovery funds, despite concerns about the Mississippi-based consulting firm’s previous work.

The county hired Horne to oversee the implementation and administration of Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds awarded earlier this year to help residents recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.

Firm’s Background and Concerns

Horne has led disaster recovery efforts nationwide since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. However, the company has faced scrutiny over its financial practices:

• In April 2024, Horne agreed to pay $1.2 million to resolve allegations of improper payments from federal grants while administering flood recovery services in West Virginia in 2017-2018
• In 2022, Louisiana officials investigated whether Horne employees received money from COVID-19 grants, though questions were reportedly resolved to officials’ satisfaction
• On September 4, 2024, a proposed debarment from state contracts was permanently withdrawn

“We’re proud of our record of helping and supporting communities in their recovery from disasters,” said Horne Director of Communications Meg Annison.

Fund Distribution Plans

The county plans to begin distributing funds later this year. Recipients can receive:

• Up to $15,000 reimbursements for six consecutive months of rent, utilities, mortgages or other eligible expenses for residents with demonstrated financial hardships
• Down payment, reconstruction, and repair assistance
• Infrastructure and public services support

Seventy percent of funding is designated for low- and moderate-income households and communities.

“We have a team that’s making sure we go at the right speed, and we do it right, with recognizing that people need money in their hands, now, to live,” said Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton.

Commissioner René Flowers expressed confidence in oversight measures, stating the county has “adequate processes in place” to ensure funds are spent appropriately and quickly.

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