July 24, 2025

St. Petersburg Unveils $159.8 Million Hurricane Recovery Plan

News Summary

St. Petersburg, Florida, is set to implement a $159.8 million recovery plan to address damages from recent hurricanes and enhance the city’s resilience. The HUD-funded initiative will support affordable housing, infrastructure, and community services. Mayor Ken Welch highlights the crucial role of federal assistance in these efforts, as the city also prepares for the upcoming hurricane season with public awareness events and enhanced emergency protocols.

St. Petersburg Prepares for Hurricane Season with $159.8 Million Recovery Plan Amid Ongoing Challenges from Previous Storms

St. Petersburg, Florida, is gearing up for the hurricane season with a robust $159.8 million recovery plan designed to address the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricanes Idalia and Helene. The plan, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), aims to bolster the city’s resilience against future storms and provide critical support to those impacted by previous weather events. Mayor Ken Welch has emphasized the significance of receiving this federal aid, stating that it will play a crucial role in enhancing the city’s recovery efforts.

As the hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, the National Hurricane Center and the 10 Tampa Bay weather team are already closely monitoring disorganized thunderstorms near northern Florida. Although the disturbance is expected to move west-southwest into the Gulf, the chance of development remains low at only 10%. Regardless of whether the disturbance intensifies, heavy rainfall is forecasted for various regions of Florida in the coming days.

St. Petersburg’s recovery plan includes an extensive breakdown of funding allocations. Specifically, 66% of the funds are designated for enhancing rental and affordable housing, addressing the estimated $1.5 billion in damage the housing sector has incurred. The plan incorporates four key programs: residential recovery and home elevation, voluntary buyouts in flood-prone areas, the addition of affordable housing, and assistance for homebuyers.

In addition, the recovery plan allocates 16% of the funds toward infrastructure mitigation efforts against future flooding. A further 12% is set aside to support public services and non-profits in the community. To ensure community engagement, a public input period for the recovery plan will be open for 30 days, featuring public hearings on June 3 and June 12.

As part of its proactive approach, the city has expedited infrastructure projects aimed at improving resilience to storms. Noteworthy initiatives include flood-proofing sewer treatment plants, installing AquaFence for enhanced storm surge protection, and completing electrical improvements at the Northeast Water Reclamation Facility. It is estimated that St. Petersburg plans to invest at least $545 million in additional resilience measures over the next five years.

To aid senior residents, the Parks & Recreation Department will host a Mid-Season Hurricane Preparedness Expo on July 31 at the Sunshine Senior Center. This event, running from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., will address the unique preparation needs of seniors and offer complimentary hurricane kits to the first 100 registered attendees.

In anticipation of potential storms, the NOAA projects that the current hurricane season may see between 13 to 19 named storms, indicating heightened activity. Recognizing this risk, the city is enhancing its emergency preparedness by cross-training staff and pre-staging resources for efficient response in urgent situations. Additionally, Hurricane Preparedness Day is scheduled for May 31, providing residents with information on evacuation plans, storm safety, and accessible resources.

Residents needing further information can find evacuation zones, shelter locations, and storm preparation resources online. The City of St. Petersburg, along with Pinellas County, will consistently share updates regarding storm safety and resources through social media platforms, ensuring that the community remains informed and prepared as the hurricane season progresses. Community members, like Tammy Marshall, who are facing challenges in rebuilding after the recent storms, are encouraged to participate in planning discussions over the allocation of HUD recovery funds.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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