FEMA has approved $317 million for disaster recovery and hazard-mitigation projects across Florida, including work on homes, hospitals, utilities, parks and electrical systems.
Nearly $167 million will flow through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for projects designed to reduce future storm and flood damage. Another nearly $150 million will reimburse recovery work through FEMA's Public Assistance program.
Mitigation money targets homes and infrastructure
The mitigation awards include more than $73 million for residential projects statewide, including home elevations, acquisitions, demolitions and reconstruction of eligible properties.
St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside in Jacksonville will receive nearly $53 million to strengthen its roof, walls and other building components against hurricane-force winds and flooding.
More than $11 million will support backup power and flood- and wind-risk improvements to wastewater infrastructure in communities including Tampa and Lakeland. More than $6 million will fund generators, emergency power, structural protections and wind safeguards at fire stations in St. Petersburg, North Port and Tampa.
FEMA said the mitigation program can also support building-code enforcement, safe rooms, drainage improvements, utility upgrades and acquisition of hazard-prone homes and businesses. The agency coordinates the work directly with the state.
Public Assistance reimburses recovery costs
Public Assistance awards include more than $5 million for Collier County emergency pumping and temporary power used to maintain wastewater operations, and nearly $4 million for debris removal in Cape Coral, including canals.
Lee County will receive nearly $3.5 million to repair hurricane-damaged parks and recreation facilities, including Lakes Regional Park and Royal Palm Park. JEA, formerly Jacksonville Electric Authority, will receive a similar amount for repairs to storm-damaged transmission and distribution systems.
Other awards include nearly $3 million for an emergency sand berm in Flagler County, more than $2.5 million for debris removal in Levy County and more than $1.3 million to repair piers, walkways, seawalls and other facilities at Bayshore Live Oak Park in Charlotte County.
FEMA said the projects are part of broader federal recovery support intended to restore public facilities while reducing the cost and damage of future disasters.
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