Sarasota County Secures Approval for $210 Million Hurricane Relief Fund

The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has announced the approval of $210 million in funding dedicated to recovery efforts following Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.

The allocated funds will be distributed across various categories, including planning and administration, public facilities and infrastructure, and housing initiatives.

RELATED STORY | ‘I’d sure like to see it go to the right places:’ $210M worth of help for hurricane victims on the way

“Through our initial efforts in drafting the action plan, we gathered significant feedback from the public about the community’s needs, especially in areas that were affected by flooding. The approval of this plan and the award agreement has generated substantial excitement, particularly for infrastructure improvements,” said Sarasota County Division Manager Steve Hyatt.

Funds will assist homeowners in need of rebuilding support, including those who have begun their own construction and require reimbursement.

Hyatt emphasized that a key objective is to enhance housing resilience beyond pre-storm conditions, aiming to provide impact-resistant windows and energy-efficient appliances.

The county reported receiving over 800 survey responses, with residents soon able to submit federal funding applications along with proof of income, adhering to income restrictions set by HUD.

Key Information

• Funding Amount: $210 million
• Purpose: Recovery efforts post-Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton
• Funding Distribution: Housing, planning and administration, public facilities and infrastructure
• Community Feedback: Over 800 survey responses received regarding needs
• Rebuilding Support: Available for homeowners needing assistance and reimbursement
• Enhancements: Focus on impact-resistant housing and energy-efficient appliances
• Application Requirements: Proof of income needed for federal funding eligibility