St. Pete-Clearwater Sun

Plant City homeowners who sustained damage during the 2024 hurricane season may soon have access to financial assistance through a county-administered recovery program, with applications opening May 1.

Hillsborough County’s Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program is drawing on $709 million to support long-term recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The program targets low- to moderate-income households and can cover housing repairs and reconstruction, reimbursement for storm-related costs, and infrastructure improvements and economic revitalization.

Plant City Manager Bill McDaniel said the program is focused on single-family housing and will benefit residents still working through repairs more than a year after the storms. “I met with a resident who was talking about how they’re still trying to do repairs,” McDaniel said. “This program is going to be very beneficial to people like this resident.”

One such resident is Clara Perry, who has lived in her Plant City home since 1962. Hurricane Milton flooding forced her to completely renovate — new walls, new doors — for the first time in over six decades. She hopes the grant funding will allow her to finish the job before the next hurricane season arrives.

City leaders are encouraging residents not to wait until May 1 to act, urging them to contact Hillsborough County’s customer service call center now to find out whether they qualify before the application window opens. Officials are also working with community organizations to reach families who may be eligible but are unaware of the program.

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