Change Log

Version (Date) Summary of Changes Made

Draft

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 Table of Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 4
Overview ................................................................................................................................ 4
Disaster Context ..................................................................................................................... 5
Most Impacted and Distressed Areas (MIDs) ............................................................................ 6
Unmet Needs Assessment ...................................................................................................... 8
Mitigation Needs Assessment ............................................................................................... 10
Summary of Programs ........................................................................................................... 12
Introduction & Impact Overview ................................................................................................ 15
Disaster Context ................................................................................................................... 15
Most Impacted and Distressed Areas (MIDs) .......................................................................... 16
Pre-Disaster Vulnerabilities Exacerbated ............................................................................... 18
Unmet Needs Assessment ....................................................................................................... 19
Methodology for Calculating Unmet Needs ............................................................................ 19
Data Sources ........................................................................................................................ 20
Evaluation of the Three Core Aspects of Recovery .................................................................. 21
Housing ............................................................................................................................ 21
Infrastructure .................................................................................................................... 33
Economic Revitalization .................................................................................................... 39
Summary and Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 45
Mitigation Needs Assessment ................................................................................................... 47
Introduction and Background ................................................................................................ 47
Overview of Hazard Risks in Pasco County ............................................................................. 47
Detailed Hazard Assessment and Impacts ............................................................................. 49
Geographic and Community-Specific Vulnerabilities .............................................................. 61
Mitigation Strategy Informed by Risk Assessment ................................................................... 64
Mitigation Funding Sources and Gaps .................................................................................... 66
Alignment with Local Mitigation and Resilience Plans ............................................................. 69
Summary and Conclusion ..................................................................................................... 70
Connecting Proposed Programs and Unmet needs .................................................................... 71
Housing................................................................................................................................ 71
Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................... 75
Economic Revitalization ........................................................................................................ 76

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 Public Services ..................................................................................................................... 77
Mitigation Needs................................................................................................................... 79
Planning ............................................................................................................................... 80
Compliance with Applicable Statutes .................................................................................... 80
Minimizing Displacement and Ensuring Accessibility ................................................................. 81
Allocation and Award Cap......................................................................................................... 82
Funding Criteria .................................................................................................................... 82
Allocation Summary .......................................................................................................... 83
Administration .................................................................................................................. 84
Planning ........................................................................................................................... 85
Housing ............................................................................................................................ 85
Infrastructure .................................................................................................................... 96
Economic Revitalization ...................................................................................................101
Public Services.................................................................................................................103
CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside..........................................................................................106
General Information ................................................................................................................109
Citizen Participation ............................................................................................................109
Consultation of Developing the Action Plan...........................................................................116
Public Comments ................................................................................................................120
Public Hearings ...................................................................................................................120
Substantial Amendment ..........................................................................................................122
Non-Substantial Amendment ...............................................................................................123
Performance Reports ...........................................................................................................123
Appendix A: Certifications .......................................................................................................125
Appendix B: Waivers ................................................................................................................128
Appendix C: Public Comments ................................................................................................129
Appendix D: Standard Form 424 ...............................................................................................130

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Executive Summary
Overview
Pasco County experienced an unprecedented series of disasters in 2023-2024, su_ering severe
impacts from Hurricane Idalia (2023), Hurricane Helene (2024), and Hurricane Milton (2024). Each
storm caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, businesses, and public services in
Pasco County. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
recognized the extent of Pasco’s unmet recovery needs by announcing a direct allocation of $585.7
million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to Pasco
County.1 $509.3 million of this allocation is explicitly designated for unmet recovery needs
stemming from Hurricanes Idalia (DR-4734), Helene (DR-4828), and Milton (DR-4834); the
remaining $76.4 million is set aside for mitigation activities. This assessment aims to evaluate
those unmet needs in detail, by sector and municipality, to inform Pasco County’s 2025 CDBG-DR
Action Plan in alignment with HUD’s Action Plan Template guidelines.

Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding is designed to

address needs that remain after all other assistance has been exhausted. This plan details how
funds will be used to address the remaining unmet needs in Pasco County.

1
NatureCoasterTM, F. O. (2025, April 14). Pasco County to receive $585 million for disaster recovery and
requests -. NatureCoaster.com.

4
Disaster Context
Each storm had distinct characteristics and unique impacts on Pasco County’s communities.

Hurricane Idalia (DR-4734)

Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 storm
in Florida’s Big Bend on August 30, 2023. While the
eyewall did not directly strike Pasco County, Idalia’s
storm surge and winds caused significant coastal
flooding in neighborhoods in western Pasco.2 3 An
estimated 4,000 to 6,000 homes in Pasco County
were damaged by Idalia4 streets in low-lying coastal
areas turned into rivers, forcing numerous water
rescues. Fortunately, advance evacuations helped
prevent loss of life in Pasco, but flood damage
displaced many families.

Hurricane Helene (DR-4828) Figure 1: Idalia Path and Wind Swath

One year later, Hurricane Helene struck in late
September 2024 as a massive Category 4 storm that
tracked north of Pasco but drove record-breaking
storm surge into the Tampa Bay region. Pasco County’s
coast saw storm surge levels up to 16 feet above
normal, far exceeding forecasts. Helene’s surge
inundated entire neighborhoods on Pasco’s west side;
roughly 200 people had to be rescued from rising
floodwater on the night of landfall in Pasco County
alone.5

Figure 2: Helene Path and Wind Swath

2
O’Connell, M. (2024, September 24). Pasco County residents impacted by Hurricane Idalia flooding prepare
for new storm. ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS).
3
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of
Helene’s storm surge. WUSF.
4
Guardian News and Media. (2023, August 31). “Everything is destroyed”: Floridians begin long recovery from
Idalia. The Guardian.
5
Tampa Bay Times. (2024, October 12). In Pasco, historic flooding from repeat storms tests limit of rescue
crews.

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Hurricane Milton (DR-4834)
Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Milton made
landfall on October 9, 2024, as a Category 3 storm, this
time passing just south of Pasco. Milton brought
torrential rainfall (15+ inches) and strong winds that
caused historic inland flooding. The Anclote and
Withlacoochee Rivers overflowed into communities,
and eastern Pasco neighborhoods saw up to 8 feet of
standing floodwater from Milton’s rains.6 Pasco’s
emergency responders, already strained from Helene,
conducted another 200+ rescues during Milton’s floods.
The back-to-back nature of Helene and Milton dealt a
“one-two punch” to Pasco County, impacting many of
the same residents and infrastructure twice within
weeks. Figure 3: Milton Path and Wind Swath

Most Impacted and Distressed Areas (MIDs)

While damage was widespread- resulting in the entire County being declared Most Impacted and
Distressed (MID) by HUD – each region experienced unique impacts. These include both specific
neighborhoods and entire municipalities.

Western Coastal Communities

Including New Port Richey, Port Richey, Holiday, Hudson, and communities in the surrounding
area, Hurricane Helene’s storm surge caused catastrophic flooding along the Gulf coast and the
lower reaches of coastal rivers. Many homes along the Pithlachascotee River and low-lying coastal
roads were inundated by several feet of water in New Port Richey and Port Richey. Places like
SunWest Park in Hudson were swamped by surge7; the park was under water and filled with debris
and sand, requiring seven months of cleanup before it could reopen8. These western areas saw
significant home destruction, particularly older homes and mobile homes that could not withstand
floodwater. Approximately 200 residents had to be rescued from rising floodwater in western Pasco
the night Hurricane Helene hit,9 highlighting the severity of the surge. Many coastal residents
remain displaced or are rebuilding homes to new flood standards.

Eastern Inland Communities

Including Zephyrhills, Dade City, and communities in the surrounding area, Hurricane Milton’s
extreme rainfall led to unprecedented inland flooding in eastern Pasco. Areas of the City of
Zephyrhills and unincorporated neighborhoods near rivers and retention ponds were submerged for

6
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of
Helene’s storm surge. WUSF.
7
Lewis, C. (2025, April 22). Sunwest Park reopens to public after damage sustained from Hurricanes. Bay
News 9.
8
Kveglis, J. (2025, April 16). One of Pasco’s largest parks reopens after Hurricane Helene. FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
9
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of
Helene’s storm surge. WUSF.

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weeks. Even months after Milton, dozens of properties in places like the Hickory Hills area of Dade
City remained partially underwater. One resident described needing a boat to reach his home four
months after the storm10. In Zephyrhills, floodwaters lingered so long that some homes were still
inaccessible and without running water or electricity six months later.11 These conditions illustrate
the prolonged nature of the disaster’s impact in inland Pasco. While Milton’s winds were less
intense than on the coast, they caused wind damage, such as downed trees and roof damage,
countywide and exacerbated flooding by blowing water into areas that had never previously
flooded.

Central Pasco
Including Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and other unincorporated communities in
surrounding areas, Central Pasco experienced moderate impacts, mainly wind damage (downed
power lines, roof damage) and sporadic flooding in low-lying spots. Power outages were
widespread; some first responders had to work 12-plus-hour shifts restoring power to others while
their homes went without electricity for over a week. The central region’s prior growth had stressed
stormwater infrastructure, and these storms exposed those vulnerabilities, including overflowing
canals and saturated retention ponds.

Each of Pasco’s municipalities

faces unique recovery challenges.
Coastal cities - like New Port
Richey and Port Richey - are
grappling with rebuilding homes
to hurricane-resistant and flood-
resilient standards in the wake of
Helene’s surge. Inland cities, like
Zephyrhills and Dade City, are
focused on resolving persistent
flooding and repairing water-
damaged infrastructure from
Figure 4: Rescue E?orts in the Elfers Area of New Port Richey Milton. Smaller towns, such as
San Antonio and St. Leo, are
addressing cumulative stresses as their residents recover from home damage. Unincorporated
Pasco, from coastal enclaves like Hudson to other suburban areas across the jurisdiction, contains
the most damaged properties and infrastructure, requiring county-wide solutions.

10
Octavio, Miguel (2025, February 12). Parts of Dade City neighborhood still underwater 4 months after
Hurricane Milton. WTSP.
11
Lebron, Sky. (2025, March 6). Months after Milton: Floodwaters are still surrounding these Zephyrhills
Homes. WUSF.

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Table 1: Disaster Overview

Disaster Summary
Qualifying Disaster: Hurricanes Idalia (DR-4734), Helene (DR-4828), Milton (4834)
HUD-identified MID Areas: Pasco County
Grantee-Identified MID Areas Pasco County

Table 2: CDBG-DR Allocation Overview

CDBG-DR Allocation Overview:

CDBG-DR Allocation: $509,300,000
CDBG-DR Mitigation Set
$76,404,000
Aside:
Total Allocation: $585.704,000

As required by HUD, at least 70% of the funds will benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI)
individuals and households. The priorities in this Action Plan reflect both the quantitative damage,
unmet needs assessments, and extensive input from residents, local organizations, and
stakeholders.

Unmet Needs Assessment

Pasco County experienced severe damage from Hurricanes Idalia (2023), Helene (2024), and Milton
(2024), resulting in significant unmet needs across the core recovery areas of Housing,
Infrastructure, Economic Revitalization, and Public Services. The following summarizes these
needs:

Housing
Housing is the most fundamental need for recovery. Thousands of homes require repair or
reconstruction, and many families still lack permanent housing solutions. In fact, over 8,400 homes
were destroyed or severely damaged by the 2024 storms alone, illustrating the scale of housing
loss. This has displaced numerous households, especially low- and moderate-income families,
seniors and those with special needs, who cannot fully recover without assistance. Pasco County
also entered the disaster period with a pre-existing a_ordable housing shortage, which the storms
exacerbated. As a result, housing accounts for roughly three-quarters of all unmet recovery needs –
making it the top priority. Key needs include repairing and rebuilding owner-occupied homes,
replacing destroyed manufactured homes, and assisting those still in temporary shelter. The goal is
not only to restore housing to pre-storm conditions but to rebuild safer and more resilient homes,
including elevation and code-compliance, to protect residents in future disasters.

Infrastructure
Infrastructure needs are likewise extensive – the hurricanes battered roads, bridges, utilities, and
public facilities, many of which remain damaged. Critical infrastructure across Pasco County
su_ered extensive impacts, including flooded roadways, overflowing stormwater systems, power
outages, strained water/wastewater facilities, and more. Rebuilding these systems is essential for

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community recovery. Many local infrastructure projects (e.g., repairing or dredging local waterways,
repairing roads, addressing stormwater issues) still lack full funding. In addition to basic repairs,
hardening infrastructure against future storms is a priority – for example, elevating frequently
flooded roads, upsizing culverts and pumps to prevent repeat flooding, and reinforcing bridges.
These unmet infrastructure needs are estimated in hundreds of millions of dollars. Restoring
infrastructure will ensure safe transportation, reliable utilities, and functioning public services,
laying the groundwork for long-term resilience.

Economic Revitalization
The local economy needs a jump-start after the unprecedented interruption and losses caused by
the storms. Small businesses across Pasco County – especially in hard-hit coastal and rural areas –
were devastated by physical damage and lost revenue. Many businesses had to close for repairs or
su_ered inventory and property losses, leading to layo_s and lost income for workers. With many
small businesses lacking reserves or insurance, there is a substantial unmet need for financial
assistance to help them reopen and recover. Key economic revitalization needs include grants or
low-interest loans for repairing and restoring storefronts and signage, replacing equipment,
restocking inventory, and covering operating costs until business returns. Additionally, technical
support is needed for businesses to navigate insurance and aid programs. Job loss has been a
major impact; helping businesses recover will in turn restore jobs and livelihoods. Pasco County’s
analysis estimates roughly 8% of the total unmet recovery needs are economic, reflecting the
importance of supporting the business community alongside housing and infrastructure.
Revitalizing the economy – particularly the small businesses that are the backbone of local
employment – is crucial for a full recovery.

Public Services

Disasters do not only damage physical assets; they also create immense needs for public services
and strain the social safety net. In Pasco County, the human services dimension of unmet needs is
as crucial as brick-and-mortar recovery. Many residents, especially vulnerable groups (seniors,
persons with disabilities, low-income families, those experiencing homelessness), require extra
support to get back on their feet. The storms resulted in increased demand for services like
emergency shelter, disaster case management, healthcare (including mental health counseling to
address trauma), and legal aid for housing or insurance issues. For example, shelters were
stretched to capacity during the storms, and after the storms many families needed housing
assistance and counseling. Unmet needs in this realm include funding for case managers to guide
survivors through recovery programs, expanded mental health and substance abuse services post-
disaster, support for food banks and childcare for a_ected families, and outreach to ensure all
residents (including those with limited English proficiency) can access recovery resources without
impediment. Pasco County plans to dedicate a portion of its recovery funds to Public Services
(capped at 15%) to address these needs. Strengthening public services will ensure that individuals
and families are not left behind as recovery progresses – it is an investment in the community’s
social fabric and well-being, complementing housing and infrastructure investments. In summary,
robust public services support – from counseling to job training – is vital for an inclusive recovery
that benefits all residents.

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Overall, Pasco County’s total unmet recovery needs across the three core areas of recovery -
housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization - are estimated at roughly $1.49 billion, far
exceeding the $585.7 million available CDBG-DR funds allocated to Pasco County. This gap
necessitates strategic allocation of funds to the highest priorities.

Mitigation Needs Assessment

In addition to addressing unmet recovery needs, Pasco County must also mitigate future disaster
risks. The Mitigation Needs Assessment identifies key vulnerabilities to natural hazards and
outlines the county’s resilience priorities. Pasco’s goal is to rebuild smarter and stronger,
integrating mitigation into every recovery project to protect against current and future risks.

Key Vulnerabilities
Pasco County faces a variety of natural hazards due to its geography, and no area of the county is
entirely risk-free. Coastal communities are highly vulnerable to storm surge and coastal flooding –
for example, western areas like New Port Richey and Hudson saw storm surge up to 16 feet during
Hurricane Helene, inundating entire neighborhoods. With rising sea levels, future coastal flooding
could become even more severe. Inland areas face di_erent hazards: eastern Pasco experienced
historic rainfall flooding during Hurricane Milton (with rivers rising many feet and causing deep,
long-lasting floods), and those communities are also exposed to hurricane wind damage and
tornadoes. Central Pasco, which has seen rapid development, struggles with stormwater drainage
issues – heavy rains can overwhelm aging drainage infrastructure, causing neighborhood flooding.
This region and the northern parts of the county are also prone to sinkholes due to Florida’s karst
geology, which can undermine structures.

Additionally, Pasco has a considerable risk of wildfire in its inland wooded and rural areas,
especially during drought conditions. Periods of drought can dry out vegetation and increase
wildfire danger, which threatens homes in the wildland-urban interface. Extreme heat is another
emerging risk: heat waves can impact public health, particularly for the elderly and those without
air conditioning, and can compound drought and wildfire conditions.

These vulnerabilities – coastal storm surge, inland flooding, high winds, wildfire, extreme heat, and
geologic hazards – all pose significant threats to Pasco’s people and infrastructure. Recent events
exposed many weaknesses: for instance, widespread power outages and sewage system failures
occurred when flooding and power loss caused sewage spills, and evacuation routes were
submerged (almost half of the county’s evacuation route miles are at risk in a 100-year flood event).
Understanding these risks, the county recognizes the need to address vulnerable systems and
locations proactively. In summary, Pasco’s key hazard vulnerabilities include flood-prone
neighborhoods and roads, undersized or aging drainage and utility infrastructure, wind-prone
housing (especially older mobile homes), wildfire-prone wildlands, and other climate-related risks.
These challenges inform the county’s mitigation priorities.

Resilience Priorities
Based on the risk assessment, Pasco County has identified several resilience priorities to guide the
use of its mitigation funds. The focus is on reducing future disaster damage and protecting
residents, especially in the most impacted areas. Key priorities include:

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• Flood Control and Stormwater Management: Invest in drainage improvements and flood
control infrastructure to reduce flooding in vulnerable areas. This includes enlarging culverts
and retention basins, improving canals and stormwater pumps, and pursuing projects like
seawalls or living shorelines along the coast. Elevating or relocating frequently flooded homes
is also a priority to prevent repetitive losses. By controlling floodwaters and keeping
communities dry, Pasco can significantly lower future storm damage.
• Hardening Critical Infrastructure: Strengthen essential infrastructure and facilities to
withstand hurricanes and other hazards. Projects will focus on fortifying utilities (power grids,
water and wastewater systems), so they remain operational during disasters, and upgrading key
road segments and bridges (especially designated evacuation routes) to be flood-resistant and
wind-resistant. Protecting critical community facilities is part of this priority – for example,
reinforcing the water reclamation facility and other utilities that were identified as at risk. These
measures ensure that vital services - including electricity, clean water, and safe roads - are
available when disasters strike, enhancing community safety and quick recovery.
• Resilient Housing and Shelters: Increase the resilience of the housing stock and emergency
shelters. This priority involves retrofitting homes and public housing sites with storm-resistant
features – such as roof reinforcements, impact windows, and elevation above base flood
elevation in accordance with program standards - and constructing new housing in safer
locations as needed. It also includes expanding and improving emergency shelters – ensuring
there are enough storm shelters and cooling centers and equipping them with backup power
generators and supplies. By hardening housing and shelter infrastructure, Pasco will better
protect lives and property when future storms or heat waves occur.
• Wildfire and Other Hazard Mitigation: Address risks from wildfire and other secondary
hazards. This includes activities like vegetation management and creating defensible space in
high-risk wildfire zones, improving rural water supply for firefighting, and community education
on fire prevention. For extreme heat, priorities may include developing cooling centers (often
overlapping with shelter improvements). Sinkhole monitoring and drainage improvements can
mitigate collapse risks in susceptible areas. While these hazards are more localized, mitigating
them is vital for Pasco’s overall resilience.
• Leveraging Funds through Mitigation Projects: Pasco aims to integrate mitigation into every
recovery project and leverage its CDBG-DR mitigation funds to the fullest. A key priority is to use
the available mitigation funding as matching funds or gap financing for larger resilience
projects. For example, the county can partner with state and federal government by providing
local matching funds to support projects. This strategy ensures that critical projects – whether
it’s a major drainage overhaul or a new resilient community center – can move forward even if
other funding sources fall short. By closing funding gaps for high-impact mitigation projects,
Pasco will maximize the reach of its dollars and address vulnerabilities that would otherwise
remain unaddressed due to lack of funding.
These resilience priorities align with Pasco County’s long-term strategic goals (as outlined in its
Local Mitigation Strategy) to protect lives and property, reduce repetitive losses, and strengthen
community resilience. The county’s approach is comprehensive: it combines structural
investments (infrastructure upgrades, resilient housing, nature-based solutions) with non-
structural measures (improved policies, building codes, public awareness). By pursuing the above
priorities, Pasco County will use its mitigation allocation to build a safer, stronger community that is
better prepared for the next disaster.

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Summary of Programs
Pasco County’s CDBG-DR funds will be distributed across seven program categories: Housing,
Infrastructure, Economic Revitalization, Public Services, Mitigation, Planning, and Administration.
Full descriptions of each program may be viewed in the Allocation and Award Caps section of this
Action Plan. The table below summarizes allocations and program details by category.

Category & Programs Proposed Allocation % of Allocation

Housing $305,000,000

Repair, Reconstruction, and Elevation (RRE) $155,000,000

52%
Manufactured Housing Program $50,000,000

A_ordable Housing Construction $100,000,000

Infrastructure $130,022,800

Critical Infrastructure $100,022,800 22%

Public Facilities $30,000,000

Economic Revitalization $25,000,000

4%
Small Business and Non-Profit Recovery $25,000,000

Public Services $10,000,000

2%
Public Services for a Better Future $10,000,000

Mitigation $76,396,000
13%
Better Future Match and Mitigation $76,396,000

Planning $10,000,000
2%
Planning for a Better Future $10,000,000

Administration $29,285,200
5%
Administrative Costs $29,285,200

Total $585,704,000 100%

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Housing – $305 million (52%)
Funds support the repair, replacement, construction, and reconstruction of homes for residents
impacted by the storms.
1. Repair, Reconstruction, and Elevation (RRE) – $155,000,000
Assists homeowners and small landlords in repairing, rebuilding, or elevating damaged
homes. Includes demolition of unsafe structures, buyouts, and reimbursement for out-of-
pocket storm repairs.
2. Manufactured Housing Program – $50,000,000
Repairs or replaces storm-damaged mobile and manufactured homes with safer units.
Covers demolition, elevation, relocation, and necessary infrastructure connections.
3. Affordable Housing Construction – $100,000,000
Builds new single-family and rental housing for displaced low- to moderate-income (LMI)
households. Funds may be used to acquire and redevelop properties, including mobile
home parks.

Infrastructure – $130 million (22%)

Funds are used to repair and upgrade damaged public infrastructure and facilities.
1. Critical Infrastructure Resilience – $100,022,800
Repairs roads, bridges, and utilities impacted by storm damage. Funds stormwater
improvements, pump upgrades, and backup power for critical infrastructure.
2. Public Facilities – $30,000,000
Repairs or replaces damaged community-serving buildings such as emergency shelters,
clinics, or community centers. Also allows for new construction where facilities failed or
are insufficient.

Economic Revitalization – $25 million (4%)

Supports small business and nonprofit recovery.
1. Small Business and Non-Profit Recovery – $25,000,000
Offers grants or loans to help eligible small businesses and nonprofits recover from storm-
related damage or income loss. Funds can be used for repairs, inventory replacement, and
operating costs.

Public Services – $10 million (2%)

Provides services that support individual and household recovery.
1. Public Services for a Better Future – $10,000,000
Funds case management, legal aid, housing counseling, job training, and mental health
services for disaster-affected residents. Prioritizes LMI and vulnerable populations.

Mitigation Set-Aside – $76.4 million (13%)

Supports activities that reduce future disaster risk.
1. Better Future Match and Mitigation Program – $76,396,000

13
 Provides match for FEMA and other federal mitigation grants and funds standalone projects
that improve storm resilience. Includes drainage upgrades, utility hardening, and facility
retrofits.

Planning – $10 million (2%)

1. Planning for a Better Future– $10,000,000
Supports disaster recovery planning, risk assessments, feasibility studies, and capacity-
building for local partners.

Administration – $29.3 million (5%)

1. Administrative Costs – $29,285,200
Covers program oversight, reporting, financial management, and compliance with federal
requirements.

14
Introduction & Impact Overview
Pasco County experienced an unprecedented series of disasters in 2023-2024, su_ering severe
impacts from Hurricane Idalia (2023), Hurricane Helene (2024), and Hurricane Milton (2024). Each
storm caused widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, businesses, and public services in
Pasco County. In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
recognized the extent of Pasco’s unmet recovery needs by announcing a direct allocation of $585.7
million in Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to Pasco
County.12 This historic funding is intended to address the remaining unmet needs from the three
storms across housing, infrastructure, economic revitalization, and public services. $509.3 million
of this allocation is explicitly designated for unmet recovery needs stemming from Hurricanes
Idalia, Helene, and Milton; the remaining $76.4 million is set aside for mitigation activities. This
assessment aims to evaluate those unmet needs in detail, by sector and municipality, to inform
Pasco County’s 2025 CDBG-DR Action Plan in alignment with HUD’s Action Plan Template
guidelines.

Disaster Context
Each storm had distinct characteristics and unique impacts on Pasco County’s communities.

Hurricane Idalia (DR-4734)

Hurricane Idalia made landfall as a Category 3 storm
in Florida’s Big Bend on August 30, 2023. While the
eyewall did not directly strike Pasco County, Idalia’s
storm surge and winds caused significant coastal
flooding in neighborhoods in western Pasco.13 14 An
estimated 4,000 to 6,000 homes in Pasco County
were damaged by Idalia15 streets in low-lying coastal
areas turned into rivers, forcing numerous water
rescues. Fortunately, advance evacuations helped
prevent loss of life in Pasco, but flood damage
displaced many families.

Figure 5: Idalia Path and Wind Swath

12
NatureCoaster.com (2025, April 14). Pasco County to receive $585 million for disaster recovery and
requests -. NatureCoaster.com.
13
O’Connell, M. (2024, September 24). Pasco County residents impacted by Hurricane Idalia flooding prepare
for new storm. ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS).
14
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of
Helene’s storm surge. WUSF.
15
Guardian News and Media. (2023, August 31). “Everything is destroyed”: Floridians begin long recovery
from Idalia. The Guardian.

15
Hurricane Helene (DR-4828)
One year later, Hurricane Helene struck in late
September 2024 as a massive Category 4 storm that
tracked north of Pasco but drove record-breaking storm
surge into the Tampa Bay region. Pasco County’s coast
saw storm surge levels up to 16 feet above normal, far
exceeding forecasts. Helene’s surge inundated entire
neighborhoods on Pasco’s west side; roughly 200
people had to be rescued from rising floodwater on the
night of landfall in Pasco County alone.16

Hurricane Milton (DR-4834)

Less than two weeks later, Hurricane Figure 6: Helene Path and Wind Swath
Milton made landfall on October 9, 2024,
as a Category 3 storm, this time passing just south of
Pasco. Milton brought torrential rainfall (15+ inches) and
strong winds that caused historic inland flooding. The
Anclote and Withlacoochee Rivers overflowed into
communities, and eastern Pasco neighborhoods saw
up to 8 feet of standing floodwater from Milton’s rains.17
Pasco’s emergency responders, already strained from
Helene, conducted another 200+ rescues during
Milton’s floods. The back-to-back nature of Helene and
Milton dealt a “one-two punch” to Pasco County,
impacting many of the same residents and
infrastructure twice within weeks.
Figure 7: Milton Path and Wind Swath
Most Impacted and Distressed Areas
(MIDs)
While damage was widespread, resulting in the entire County being declared Most Impacted and
Distressed (MID) by HUD, each region experienced unique impacts.. These include both specific
neighborhoods and entire municipalities.

Western Coastal Communities

Including New Port Richey, Port Richey, Holiday, Hudson, and communities in the surrounding
area, Hurricane Helene’s storm surge caused catastrophic flooding along the Gulf coast and the
lower reaches of coastal rivers. Many homes along the Pithlachascotee River and low-lying coastal
roads were inundated by several feet of water in New Port Richey and Port Richey. Places like

16
Tampa Bay Times. (2024, October 12). In Pasco, historic flooding from repeat storms tests limit of rescue
crews.
17
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of
Helene’s storm surge. WUSF.

16
SunWest Park in Hudson were swamped by surge18; the park was under water and filled with debris
and sand, requiring seven months of cleanup before reopening.19 These western areas saw
significant home destruction, particularly older homes and mobile homes that could not withstand
floodwaters. Approximately 200 residents had to be rescued from rising floodwater in western
Pasco the night Hurricane Helene hit,20 highlighting the severity of the surge. Many coastal residents
remain displaced or are rebuilding homes to new flood standards.

Eastern Inland Communities

Including Zephyrhills, Dade City, and communities in the surrounding area, Hurricane Milton’s
extreme rainfall led to unprecedented inland flooding in eastern Pasco. Areas of the City of
Zephyrhills and unincorporated neighborhoods near rivers and retention ponds were submerged for
weeks. Even months after Milton, dozens of properties in places like the Hickory Hills area of Dade
City remained partially underwater. One resident described needing a boat to reach his home four
months after the storm.21 In Zephyrhills, floodwaters lingered so long that six months later, some
homes were still inaccessible and without running water or electricity.22 These conditions illustrate
the prolonged nature of the disaster’s impact on inland Pasco. While Milton’s winds were less
intense on the coast, they caused wind damage, such as downed trees and roof damage,
countywide and exacerbated flooding by blowing water into areas that had never previously
flooded.

Central Pasco
Including Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel, and other unincorporated communities in
surrounding areas, Central Pasco experienced moderate impacts, mainly wind damage (downed
power lines, roof damage) and sporadic flooding in low-lying spots. Power outages were
widespread; some first responders had to work 12-plus-hour shifts restoring power to others while
their homes went without electricity for over a week. The central region’s prior growth had stressed
stormwater infrastructure, and these storms exposed those vulnerabilities, including overflowing
canals and saturated retention ponds.

18
Lewis, C. (2025, April 22). Sunwest Park reopens to public after damage sustained from Hurricanes. Bay
News 9.
19
Kveglis, J. (2025, April 16). One of Pasco’s largest parks reopens after Hurricane Helene. FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
20
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of
Helene’s storm surge. WUSF.
21
Octavio, Miguel (2025, February 12). Parts of Dade City neighborhood still underwater 4 months after
Hurricane Milton. WTSP.
22
Lebron, Sky. (2025, March 6). Months after Milton: Floodwaters are still surrounding these Zephyrhills
Homes. WUSF.

17
 Each of Pasco’s municipalities
faces unique recovery challenges.
Coastal cities - like New Port
Richey and Port Richey - are
grappling with rebuilding homes
to hurricane-resistant and flood-
compliant standards in the wake
of Helene’s surge. Inland cities,
like Zephyrhills and Dade City, are
focused on resolving persistent
flooding and repairing water-
damaged infrastructure from
Figure 8: Rescue E?orts in the Elfers Area of New Port Richey Milton. Smaller towns, such as
San Antonio and St. Leo, are
addressing cumulative stresses and assisting their residents with insurance claims and home
repairs. Unincorporated Pasco, from coastal enclaves like Hudson to other suburban areas across
the jurisdiction, contains the most damaged properties and infrastructure, requiring county-wide
solutions.

Pre-Disaster Vulnerabilities Exacerbated

It is important to note that Pasco County entered this disaster period with pre-existing
vulnerabilities worsened by the storms. The county had a deficit of a_ordable housing units even
before 2023, with many low-income residents living in older mobile homes or low-lying
neighborhoods. Infrastructure systems (particularly stormwater and wastewater management,
along with aging road drainage) needed upgrades. The local economy, while growing, included
many small businesses with limited reserves and a tourism sector (beaches, parks, hospitality)
sensitive to storm disruptions. These factors have amplified the impact of Idalia, Helene, and
Milton. For example, the lack of a_ordable housing has made it harder to relocate displaced
families, and inadequate drainage in some subdivisions turned what would have been minor
flooding into major, prolonged flooding. This assessment will highlight instances where the
disasters exacerbated existing needs, underscoring the importance of a recovery that mitigates
future risks, as discussed further in our Mitigation Needs Assessment.

The cumulative damage to Pasco County from the three storms is staggering. Between Helene and
Milton alone, county o_icials estimated over 800 homes were destroyed and 7,600 homes
experienced major damage. Thousands more were a_ected by Idalia. Critical infrastructure was
battered – utilities, roads, bridges, and public facilities su_ered extensive damage. Small
businesses across the county experienced physical losses and economic disruption. Community
services were stretched thin as residents grappled with displacement, health and safety hazards,
and the bureaucracy of seeking recovery needs from multiple sources post-disaster. This Unmet
Needs Assessment provides a comprehensive look at the remaining needs in Pasco’s recovery,
organized into the three core aspects (or sectors) of long-term recovery – Housing, Infrastructure,
Economic Revitalization – along with Public Services to address the needs of vulnerable
populations and community well-being.

18
Unmet Needs Assessment
HUD requires that Pasco County develop the following Unmet Needs Assessment to strategically inform our use of
CDBG-DR funding. This Unmet Needs Assessment analyzes community needs across Pasco County by assessing
the remaining e_ects of the qualifying disaster on housing, infrastructure, and the economy. Since the entire
county was declared a most-impacted and distressed area (MID), 100 percent of our CDBG-DR award will benefit
HUD-identified MID areas.

This Unmet Needs Assessment includes the following:

1. A description of the e_ects of Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton, and the most significant remaining
recovery needs that have not been addressed by other sources of funds, including insurance proceeds,
other Federal assistance, or any other funding source; and
2. A thorough evaluation of the three core aspects of recovery— housing, infrastructure, and the economy
(e.g., estimated job losses), which considers the pre-disaster needs (such as a lack of a_ordable housing)
that the disaster has exacerbated. Our housing needs assessment addresses emergency shelters, interim
and permanent housing, rental and owner-occupied single-family and multifamily housing, public housing,
including HUD-assisted housing, and other a_ordable housing, including housing for vulnerable
populations and those unhoused before the disaster.
The County understands that disaster recovery needs will evolve. As changes occur, the County will amend this
Unmet Needs Assessment, as additional needs are identified, and/or additional resources become available. At a
minimum, Pasco County will revisit and update the Unmet Needs Assessment when reallocating funds from one
program to another through a substantial amendment.

In the following sections, Pasco County’s unmet needs are evaluated in detail by sector. For each sector, we
document the disaster impacts with data and community input, the resources already in place for recovery (such
as FEMA, Insurance, and other duplicative benefits), and the remaining unmet needs, calculated as the gap that
CDBG-DR and other funds must address because other sources do not cover them. All data sources are cited, and
qualitative descriptions are provided where current data is unavailable. Figures and tables are included to visualize
key information, ensuring the assessment is accessible to a non-technical audience. This assessment concludes
with a summary of total unmet needs by category (Figure 27) and a discussion of how these identified needs will
drive Pasco County’s recovery strategy, including using the $585.7 million CDBG-DR direct allocation and other
supplemental funding.

Methodology for Calculating Unmet Needs

Housing
To calculate estimated Housing unmet needs, Pasco County used FEMA IA, National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP), and local data to identify damaged or destroyed units, calculated the value of housing losses using HUD
multipliers established in the Federal Register (for Major/Severe FEMA damage level categories) and proxy
calculations (for Minor FEMA damage level categories), and tabulate against the assistance received. FEMA Data
was evaluated and records determined to be outside the County (e.g., City and Zip Codes in other counties, such
as Hillsborough, Hernando, and Pinellas) were removed from our unmet needs calculation to provide the most
accurate assessment with available data. An increase of 30 percent on top of estimated value of housing losses in

19
Pasco County was included to account for costs associated with making newly constructed and rehabilitated
housing more resilient to future disasters23.

Infrastructure
Infrastructure impacts are estimated from the non-federal cost share of FEMA PA and known projects submitted to
Pasco County. An increase of 30 percent of the total of known PA project costs provided by the County’s Grants
Division was included to account for costs associated with making repaired and newly constructed infrastructure
more resilient to future disasters. An additional 26.9 percent for increased cost of building materials and supplies
was also incorporated.

Economic Revitalization
To calculate estimated economic revitalization unmet needs, Pasco County evaluated de-duplicated data
provided by SBA and calculated the Total Verified Loss, accounted for an additional 30 percent in funding needed
to support rebuilding to higher standards (resilience), and removed payments that had been made.

The total unmet needs in each category (Figure 26) are estimated based on the best available data as of April 2025.
The unmet needs assessment will continue to be updated as programs progress and additional data become
available. In total, Pasco County estimates approximately $1.5 billion in unmet needs from damage caused by
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.

Data Sources
Unmet needs are calculated based on direct and indirect needs, less financial assistance that has been budgeted
or obligated to meet those needs. A single data source does not provide sufficiently accurate information, so multiple
sources were used to understand the full extent of needs in Pasco County following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Data in this assessment reflects the best available data as of April 2025 to capture the needs at that point in time.
• FEMA Individual Assistance (IA): The FEMA IA Program is the primary source of data on impacted
households and for calculating unmet housing recovery needs for CDBG-DR grantees. Following a disaster,
homeowners and renters voluntarily register for FEMA IA. FEMA Verified Loss17 awards only aid with
repair/replacement to restore the home to habitable conditions. FEMA IA data only reflects the cost to repair
a home to habitable conditions and often underestimates need. However, the data available at the
household level, including a range of income and real property damage estimates, allows for an analysis
consistent with the unmet needs calculation outlined in the applicable federal register notice.
• Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA disaster loan program is a recovery resource for impacted
households. The program provides loans for housing repairs and business needs. For Homes, SBA loan
estimates are based on inspections and often include the full home restoration cost.
• Insurance Claims: Pasco County utilized National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim data at the county
level to estimate assistance per household. Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (FOIR) data was not
available for sufficient evaluation at the time of assessment.
• American Community Survey: The American Community Survey (ACS) is updated annually based on a
sample of 3.5 million residents in the 50 states. ACS data was used to capture economic and demographic
data.

23
The 30 percent resilience investment is consistent with HUD's approach in 2013 when it allocated CDBG-DR funding to
jurisdictions impacted by Superstorm Sandy (78 FR 69112).
20
 • HUD & Homelessness Data Exchange (HDX) Homeless Point-in-Time Count: The Point-in-Time (PIT)
Count is an annual count conducted by every Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC) in the County on one
designated night in January. It accounts for the number of individuals housed in emergency shelters,
transitional housing, Safe Havens, and unsheltered housing.
• HUD Low- and Moderate-Income Data (LMI): This data is available on the HUD Exchange at the block group,
tract, jurisdiction, and county levels. The HUD limits calculate the extremely low (30 percent of area median
income, or AMI) limit, very low income limit (50% AMI), and low limit (80 percent AMI) income limit for 1-person
to 8-person families for every county and state in the United States. The limits are recalculated annually to
determine eligibility for public housing, Section 8 vouchers, and programs assisting seniors and disabled
persons.

Evaluation of the Three Core Aspects of Recovery

Housing
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton caused widespread damage to housing in Pasco County, displacing
thousands of residents. Housing recovery remains the most significant unmet need sector. This section evaluates
housing impacts and needs in four areas: Emergency Shelters, Interim and Permanent Housing, Rental and Owner-
Occupied Housing (Single-Family and Multifamily), and Public Housing and Other A_ordable Housing.

Emergency Shelters, Interim Housing, and Permanent Housing Needs

The storm events severely a_ected the county’s emergency shelter system, displacing vulnerable populations and
reducing shelter capacity. One transitional housing facility operated by ACE Opportunities, which included
emergency shelter beds, was flooded and rendered inoperable. As of April 2025, this facility remains out of service,
further reducing available emergency accommodation.

In addition, several motels and hotels traditionally utilized through emergency shelter voucher programs sustained
storm-related damage and are no longer accessible. This loss has significantly constrained emergency response
capacity during times of peak need.

In neighboring Pinellas County, Pinellas Hope, a regional shelter operated by Catholic Charities Diocese of St.
Petersburg, su_ered extensive damage. Although outside of Pasco, this facility has historically served individuals
displaced from Pasco County. The loss of this facility further strained the regional shelter network. The following
table, Figure 5, describes shelter capacity prior to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Organization Beds Description

ACE Opportunities 5 Emergency shelter (flooded post-disaster)
CCDOSP – Pasco Family Shelter 36 Family shelter
CCDOSP – Felicity House 28 Women’s shelter
CHPC – DCF ESG Emergency Shelter 2 Small-scale program
Youth and Family Alternatives (YFA) – RHYMIS 26 Youth-focused shelter
ES
Sunrise 40 Domestic violence shelter
CHPC – Students in Transition 35 Youth in school district
St. Vincent de Paul – Hotel/Motel (CV3) 20 Voucher-based emergency shelter
Total 216

21
 Figure 9: Shelter Capacity Prior to Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Homelessness is a quality-of-life issue for people who lack housing, as well as the people who are stably housed.
Pasco County believes that it’s important to help our homeless neighbors get into our system of care. The following
table, Figure 6 24, identifies County estimates of homeless households and persons a_ected by our 2023-2024
disasters (including Statewide estimates for comparison):

C0C Point-in-Time Counts Statewide Pasco County

(2024) Estimate Estimate
Total Homeless Households 24,925 623
Emergency Shelter 7,320 64
Transitional Housing 3,167 141
Unsheltered 14,438 418
Total Homeless Persons 31,362 731
Emergency Shelter 10,229 120
Transitional Housing 4,265 184
Unsheltered 16,868 427
Figure 10: HUD Continuum of Care Point-in-Time Counts (2024)

Following the hurricanes, service providers reported significant increases in the number of unsheltered individuals.
Many were forced into wooded and remote areas, creating outreach and safety challenges. Youth shelters and
family shelters reported waitlists for the first time in several years, particularly for children and families under the
age of 18.

Emergency Sheltering
In the immediate aftermath of each storm, hundreds of Pasco County residents relied on emergency shelters.
Pasco County opened multiple evacuation shelters for Idalia, Helene, and Milton, including school-based and
special needs shelters. During Hurricane Milton in October 2024, all public schools in Pasco County were closed
for several days, and several, including Wiregrass High School in Wesley Chapel, were used as shelters for
evacuees.25 26 Other regional shelters, like the Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter in Hudson, which is pet-
friendly and capable of housing up to 1,000 occupants27, was also used to shelter disaster-a_ected residents.
Many coastal residents of Port Richey and New Port Richey who heeded evacuation orders took refuge in these
shelters as Idalia and Helene approached.

During Helene, as storm surge inundated west Pasco neighborhoods, approximately 200 individuals were rescued
by first responders and brought to higher ground and shelters28. During Milton’s flooding, emergency crews
evacuated over 200 residents from submerged homes in areas like Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel.29 These figures
illustrate that hundreds of Pasco residents depended on public sheltering to survive the storms, yet shelter
capacity and resources were stretched. Capacity restraints have resulted in many people across our region living in

24
CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Reports. (2024). Hudexchange.info. Accessed on April 15, 2025.
25
Fox News 13 Sta_. (2024, October 10). Hurricane Milton Aftermath: Pasco county storm damage. FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
26
Pasco County Special Needs Shelters
27
Spring Engineering, Inc. (n.d.). Mike Fasano Regional Hurricane Shelter.
28
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of Helene’s storm
surge. WUSF.
29
Hodgson, Ian, and Chesnes, Max. (2024, October 12). In Pasco, historic flooding from repeat storms tests limit of rescue
crews. Tampa Bay Times.
22
cars following the 2023-2024 storms.30 Shelter operations went very well during Hurricane Helene. There was a
peak total of 480 individuals in shelters, but the storm's e_ects left many permanently displaced. Helene brought
new challenges with sheltering in recovery because there is no preexisting permanent place to put displaced
citizens.31 Moving forward, unmet needs include expanding shelter capacity and improving shelter facilities. Some
evacuees, especially those with medical vulnerabilities, encountered crowded conditions and limited accessibility
in shelters.

Interim Housing
After the immediate crisis, Pasco County has faced a prolonged need for interim or temporary housing for
displaced residents. Hundreds of homes were uninhabitable– destroyed or so severely damaged that families
could not return until major repairs or reconstruction
occurred. As a result, many survivors have been living in
hotels, with relatives, or in other temporary arrangements
for months. FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance
(TSA) program provided short-term hotel stays for some
survivors; however, this program was time-limited, and
not all households qualified. Recognizing the gap, Pasco
County, in partnership with the State of Florida and
charitable organizations, established a temporary housing
community called “Pasco Hope” in Holiday in late 2024.32
This assessment notes that Holiday has two of the top 10
zip codes in Pasco County with the highest total
percentage of Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) residents
(34690 and 34691) per capita.33 Figure 11: Pasco Hope Pallets and RV Trailers
This 2-acre site contains 50 small pallet homes and 25 RV trailers to house residents displaced by Hurricanes
Helene and Milton. The Pasco Hope community, operated by Catholic Charities, o_ers a roof overhead and on-site
services (including showers, laundry, and access to counseling) for storm survivors. This innovative approach
helped Pasco address an urgent interim housing need through prior CDBG funding and the County’s general fund.

30
Williams, J. (2025, January 22). Families left homeless after hurricanes still waiting for FEMA assistance. ABC Action News
Tampa Bay (WFTS).
31
Hurricane Helene After Action Report and Improvement Plan (September 2024)
32
Lebron, Sky. (2024, October 25). Pasco County is opening a temporary housing community for residents displaced by recent
hurricanes. WUSF.
33
HUD O_ice of PD&R. (n.d.). Low to moderate income population by Block Group.
23
Permanent Housing Repairs/Reconstruction
Ultimately, Pasco County’s goal is to return survivors to safe, permanent housing – either by repairing damaged
homes or rebuilding destroyed one. The scale of housing damage in Pasco is immense. Across Pasco County, more
than 10,000 homes were substantially damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in fall 2024.34 “Substantially
damaged” means repairs cost more than 50% of the structure’s pre-storm value, triggering requirements for
elevation or reconstruction to current codes.35 Many homeowners are struggling to fund repairs due to gaps in
insurance coverage and insu_icient assistance. Flood damage has been problematic: standard homeowner’s
insurance does not cover flooding, and many residents did not carry flood insurance (especially those outside
high-risk flood zones). Even insured flood victims often face high deductibles and payout limits. The National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) has paid out large sums
for these disasters – $449M across all three
storms36 – but this still does not come close to
compensating for total losses.

The map in Figure 8 illustrates the geographic

distribution of housing damage in Pasco for
Hurricane Idalia using FEMA Verified Loss data (the
total dollar value of verified housing damage per
zip code). Lighter colors indicate lower aggregate
damage, and darker shades indicate higher
damage concentrations.

Pasco’s western zip codes experienced the highest

verified losses from Idalia’s coastal flooding,
especially around Port Richey and New Port Richey. Figure 12: FEMA Verified Loss by Zip Code for DR-4734 (Hurricane
Idalia)
Eastern and central Pasco saw relatively lower verified losses for Idalia, consistent with the storm’s primary
impacts being along the Gulf coast.

FEMA data suggests coastal Pasco County bore the brunt of Idalia’s housing damage, whereas inland communities
were less a_ected. However, the situation was di_erent for the 2024 storms. Figure 9 (below) shows Verified Loss
by zip code for Hurricane Helene (DR-4828), and Figure 10 (below) shows the same for Hurricane Milton (DR-
4834).

34
Hodgson, Ian, and Chesnes, Max. (2024, October 12). In Pasco, historic flooding from repeat storms tests limit of rescue
crews. Tampa Bay Times.
35
Simonton, Teghan, et. al. (2025, April 9). It’s been 6 months since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. how is Tampa Bay doing?
Tampa Bay Times.
36
FEMA.gov. (n.d.). FIMA NFIP OpenFEMA Dataset v2. Accessed April 12, 2025.

24
Helene’s verified housing losses were significant in western Pasco (Port Richey/New Port Richey area) due to storm
surge, and notable in some inland areas, as well.
Areas in southeast Pasco (around Zephyrhills) show
moderate loss totals, indicating Helene’s heavy
rainfall caused some inland damage as well.

Milton’s damage pattern di_ers from Helene’s –

verified losses are more evenly spread across the
county, with both coastal and inland zip codes in
the higher loss. Eastern Pasco (Dade City,
Zephyrhills area) shows very high verified losses,
correlating with the historic rainfall flooding.
Western Pasco also has substantial losses from
Milton, though Helene had already impacted many
of those same areas two weeks prior.

The FEMA Verified Loss maps for Helene and Milton Figure 13: FEMA Verified Loss by Zip Code for DR-4828 (Hurricane
Helene)
demonstrate that the combined impact of these
storms was countywide. Coastal communities
were hit twice (surge, followed by wind and rain),
and eastern communities that were spared surge
got inundated by rainfall flooding. As a result,
nearly every part of Pasco County has residents
facing lingering housing recovery challenges.

Unmet housing needs in Pasco County are

extensive. Immediate sheltering needs have been
met for most (with shelters closed and interim
solutions in place), but temporary housing
remains a critical need – many households still
lack a stable temporary home while their
permanent home is unlivable. The permanent
Figure 14: FEMA Verified Loss by Zip Code for DR-4834 (Hurricane Milton)
repair and reconstruction need is measured in the
thousands of homes and hundreds of millions of dollars. Pasco County’s Action Plan will need to allocate a
significant portion of CDBG-DR funds to homeowner rehabilitation, reconstruction, and possibly voluntary buyout
programs in high-risk flood zones, as well as to rental housing recovery (discussed in the following section).
Additionally, building safer, resilient housing to higher construction standards (elevating homes, strengthening
roofs) is a priority to mitigate future disaster impacts, given that extreme weather is likely to continue.

Rental and Owner-Occupied Housing (Single Family and Multifamily)

Disaster impacts on housing in Pasco County a_ected both owner-occupied and renter-occupied homes, but the
challenges these groups face can di_er. This section examines how renters and owners have been impacted,
including single-family and multifamily housing, and identifies unmet needs for each category. Analysis by
municipality is provided where data allows, as renter vs. owner distributions vary across Pasco’s communities (see
Figure 11 below for a geographic view of renter occupancy rates).

25
Pasco County’s housing stock includes suburban-style single-family homes (many owner-occupied), a significant
stock of mobile/manufactured homes, and multifamily rental complexes, including apartment buildings, primarily
in the western and southern parts of the county. About 77.3% of households are owner-occupied, and 22.7% of

Figure 15: Percent of Renter-Occupied Households

Pasco’s households are renters , though the percentage

37

is much higher in certain cities and census tracts. For

instance, Port Richey and New Port Richey have high
concentrations of renters, including in older apartment
complexes and mobile home parks, while many inland
tracts are predominantly owner-occupied. Figure 11
illustrates the percentage of occupied homes that are
renter-occupied by census tract: Darker shades (purple)
indicate a higher proportion of renters (up to ~60% of
households) in that tract. Notably, tracts in and around
Port Richey, New Port Richey, and Dade City show 40-
60% renter households, as do some areas in Zephyrhills.
In contrast, many central tracts (light colors) have under
20% renters, reflecting mostly owner-occupied homes.

The disasters a_ected homeowners and renters in di_erent ways:

Owner-Occupied Single-Family Homes

Homeowners in Pasco experienced massive losses to their properties. Those with adequate insurance (including
flood insurance) were somewhat bu_ered, but many still face funding gaps for rebuilding. A particular challenge for
owners is complying with updated building codes and elevation requirements. In Pasco’s coastal High Risk Flood
Areas, any substantially damaged owner-occupied home must be elevated – a high-cost requirement that is
unlikely to be covered fully by insurance or FEMA. Thus, many owners face a choice of taking on debt, depleting
savings, or abandoning their homes. Some hardest-hit owners, especially seniors and retirees on fixed incomes in
communities like Port Richey’s waterfront, simply cannot a_ord to rebuild to code without additional help. The
municipalities of Port Richey and New Port Richey have a high share of seniors who are owner-occupants and who
have expressed a need for help.

Owner-Occupied Mobile Homes

Mobile homes form a significant portion of Pasco’s housing, particularly for seniors and low-income residents. As
demonstrated in Figure 12 38, Pasco County’s Mobile Home population is nearly nine percentage points higher than
the State of Florida – representing a significant demographic with unmet housing needs following the 2023-2024
storms.

37
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. "Physical Housing Characteristics for Occupied Housing Units."
American Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S2504, 2023,. Accessed on April 23, 2025.
38
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. "Selected Housing Characteristics." American Community Survey, ACS
1-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP04, 2023, Accessed on April 15, 2025.
26
 Statewide Statewide Pasco County Pasco County
Mobile Homes
Estimate Percentage Estimate Percentage
Total Housing Units 10,451,823 - 279,605 -
Mobile Homes 822,706 7.9% 46,445 16.6%
Figure 16: Housing Units and Mobile Home Units (MHUs)

Many older mobile homes do not withstand hurricanes well. Helene’s winds and Milton’s floods destroyed
numerous mobile homes. Typically, older mobile homes have little insurance and are not rebuilt. The unmet need
here is to provide new housing, either new manufactured homes or transitioning residents to safer housing. Pasco
may use funds to replace mobile homes with safer structures or acquire damaged mobile home parks for
redevelopment.

Renter-Occupied Housing (Rentals)

Renters in Pasco also su_ered greatly. Flooding and wind damage did not spare rental properties – from small
single-family rental homes to large apartment complexes. However, renters have less control over repairs since
property owners and landlords are responsible. A concerning trend observed after Helene and Milton is that many
landlords were slow to respond or lacked the resources to repair rental units promptly, leaving tenants in unsafe
conditions.39 Renters typically do not have disaster insurance for their belongings (few carry renters’ insurance), so
they often lose furniture, clothing, and other personal property with no compensation. FEMA’s Other Needs
Assistance (ONA) can provide some grants for uninsured personal property losses, but not all renters qualify or
know when/how to apply. This is supported by the disparity between the percentage of renters (demonstrated in
Figure 11) and the FEMA claims across all three storms.40

Homeowners Renters

UNINCORPORATED PASCO 60% 40%

T O W N O F S T . L E O 0% 100%
CITY OF SAN ANTONIO 67% 33%
DADE CITY 60% 40%
CITY OF ZEPHYRHILLS 66% 34%
CITY OF PORT RICHEY 59% 41%
CITY OF NEW PORT RICHEY 57% 43%

Figure 17: Disposition of FEMA Claims by Housing Tenure

Additionally, renters forced out of unlivable units may have struggled to find alternate housing in Pasco’s already-
tight rental market. Vacancy rates were low pre-storm, and suddenly many families were competing for habitable
rentals. This drives rents up, which puts an economic strain on households who may have also lost wages during
the disaster.

39
Sheridan, Kerry. (2024, October 7). As landlords try to repair Helene damage, Tampa-area renters say they are being unfairly
evicted. WUSF.
40
FEMA.gov. (n.d.). OpenFEMA Dataset: Individuals and Households Program - Valid Registrations - v1. Accessed April 12,
2025
27
It’s worth noting that many renters can become homeless or housing-insecure after the storms. Some ended up in
the FEMA or Pasco interim housing programs, and others have left the area entirely. Municipalities like New Port
Richey, which has a sizeable low-income renter population, have observed an uptick in homelessness after the
storms, as displaced renters with nowhere to go show up at local shelters or encampments. This crossover
between housing and public services (homeless services) indicates a need for supportive housing solutions for
disaster-a_ected renters.

Renters and owners are both facing severe recovery hurdles, but renters are generally more vulnerable
economically and depend on landlords and public support to restore their housing. Pasco County may consider
allocating resources to ensure a_ordable rental housing is repaired or replaced - to prevent a long-term reduction
in a_ordable units post-disaster, and to provide direct support to renters through extended rental assistance, legal
aid (a Public Services activity), rehousing services, and new housing opportunities for renters. Meanwhile,
homeowners need grants/loans for repair, replacement, and reconstruction to fill insurance gaps. Both groups
would benefit from hazard mitigation measures integrated into repairs so that housing is safer and repaired,
replaced, or reconstructed to higher construction standards.

Public Housing (HUD-Assisted) and Other AJordable Housing

Pasco County’s public housing and HUD-assisted a_ordable housing stock is a vital resource for low-income
residents and safeguarding it post-disaster is critical. “Public housing” refers to housing owned and operated by
the Pasco County Housing Authority (or municipal housing authorities), typically reserved for very low-income
households. “HUD-assisted housing” includes subsidized developments (like Section 8 project-based housing and
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit properties. Additionally, other a_ordable housing, such as non-profit owned
developments and mobile home communities, plays a big role in Pasco. This section assesses damage and needs
in these housing segments.

The Pasco County Housing Authority (PCHA) manages several properties, including Dade Oaks (a housing complex
for seniors in Dade City), Cypress Villas in Dade City, Citrus Villas in New Port Richey, Hudson Hills Manor in
Hudson, among others.41 Many of these units house seniors and/or disabled residents. During the 2023-2024
disasters, the PCHA properties generally fared better than private housing, but some did sustain damage. However,
there are unmet needs: the Housing Authority lacks funds for significant resilience and building safety upgrades.
Aging roofs, old windows, and low elevation put these properties at future risk. CDBG-DR funds could be used to
modernize and storm-harden public housing, such as installing generators for power backup, elevating electrical
panels above flood level, and strengthening roofing.

Pasco County may allocate funds for a_ordable housing owners to restore units with enhanced resiliency, building
safety features, and other higher construction standards. HUD’s National Objective requirements encourage
benefits to LMI households; repairing HUD-assisted housing squarely meets this objective since these units
exclusively serve LMI tenants.

Another aspect is the loss of a_ordable housing due to the storms. Unfortunately, some naturally occurring
a_ordable housing (e.g., older mobile home parks with low lot rents) was decimated. In Pasco’s coastal belt (Port
Richey/Hudson), entire mobile home parks were flooded. Those units often housed seniors on fixed incomes.
When these homes are destroyed, those residents e_ectively lose their a_ordable housing. Replacing mobile
homes is expensive, and not all are qualified for su_icient FEMA help (mobile homeowners who rented the lot
might get some personal property aid, but often not enough to buy a new manufactured home). Therefore, an

41
https://pascocountyhousing.org/our-properties/
28
unmet need exists to assist households from destroyed mobile home parks – possibly through mobile home
replacement programs or helping them relocate to other a_ordable housing.

The municipalities of Port Richey and unincorporated Hudson/Holiday have voiced concern that low-income
mobile home residents are victims of these storms, and targeted outreach and assistance is needed to satisfy
unmet needs. Additionally, the a_ordable housing continuum includes homeless shelters and transitional housing
facilities. Repairing and fortifying these facilities is an unmet need, bridging housing and public services.

Summary: Housing
The 2023-2024 storms disproportionately impacted vulnerable populations residing in public and a_ordable
housing. Ensuring those units are repaired, improved, and back online is critical. Unmet needs include repairing
and reconstructing owner-occupied homes, including replacing damaged and destroyed mobile homes, expanding
a_ordable housing to address pre-existing shortages and storm-related losses, hardening public housing sites,
and restoring subsidized rentals. Pasco County’s allocation provides an opportunity to invest in safe, a_ordable
housing. This would replace what was lost and improve living conditions and reduce future disaster risk for
residents, including LMI residents. The county will coordinate with federal, state, and local partners to prioritize
these needs.

The following graph (Figure 14) and corresponding table identify FEMA claims in each of Pasco’s municipalities.
Figure 15 summarizes residences by damage level and municipality in Pasco County, with further breakdowns for
homeowners and renters, based on available FEMA data.42

25,000
20,035 19,636
19,108
20,000

15,000

10,000
7,152

5,000
627 4
0
City of Port City of Dade City City of San Town of St. Leo Unincorporated
Richey Zephyrhills Antonio Pasco

Figure 18: FEMA Claims for 2023-2024 Disasters

# of
Major- Major- Minor- Minor-
Municipality FEMA Severe
High Low High Low
Claims

All Pasco County 87,680 1,197 4,528 3,810 2,525 75,620

City of New Port Richey 21,118 336 1,690 1,442 567 17,083
City of Port Richey 19,108 748 2,331 1,453 628 13,948
City of Zephyrhills 20,035 30 205 394 683 18,723
Dade City 7,152 25 71 169 257 6,630

42
FEMA.gov. (n.d.). FIMA NFIP OpenFEMA Dataset v2. Accessed April 12, 2025.

29
 City of San Antonio 627 1 2 2 12 610
Town of St. Leo 4 0 0 0 0 4
Unincorporated Pasco 19,636 57 229 350 378 18,622
Homeowners 52,916 854 3,409 2,946 1,492 44,215
City of New Port Richey 12,070 211 1,243 1,149 320 9,147
City of Port Richey 11,234 570 1,812 1,038 345 7,469
City of Zephyrhills 13,150 24 163 339 501 12,123
Dade City 4,299 16 51 147 141 3,944
City of San Antonio 421 1 2 2 6 410
Town of St. Leo 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unincorporated Pasco 11,742 32 138 271 179 11,122
Renters 34,646 343 1,117 859 1,033 31,294
City of New Port Richey 9,024 125 447 291 247 7,914
City of Port Richey 7,814 178 518 413 283 6,422
City of Zephyrhills 6,866 6 41 55 182 6,582
Dade City 2,847 9 20 21 116 2,681
City of San Antonio 206 0 0 0 6 200
Town of St. Leo 4 0 0 0 0 4
Unincorporated Pasco 7,885 25 91 79 199 7,491
Unknown 118 0 2 5 0 111
City of New Port Richey 24 0 0 2 0 22
City of Port Richey 60 0 1 2 0 57
City of Zephyrhills 19 0 1 0 0 18
Dade City 6 0 0 1 0 5
City of San Antonio 0 0 0 0 0 0
Town of St. Leo 0 0 0 0 0 0
Unincorporated Pasco 9 0 0 0 0 9
Figure 19: FEMA Claims in Pasco County (Hurricane Idalia, Helene, Milton)

A significant number of FEMA claims 100,000

did not result in payments being 90,000
issued. The following graph and 80,000
corresponding table identify Total 70,000
FEMA Claims, total claims that 60,000
50,000
received Individuals and
40,000
Households Program (IHP) funding, 30,000
and total claims receiving Housing 20,000
Assistance (HA). Figure 17 provides 10,000
more granular data, identifying the 0
Pasco Residents Homeowners Renters
total claims, claims that received
IHP assistance, and claims that Total Claims Received IHP Assistance Received Housing Assistance

received housing assistance with

Figure 20: FEMA Claims with Total Claims Paid by Housing Tenure
corresponding percentages.

30
 Received %: Received
FEMA Claims Review by Housing Total Received IHP %: Received
Housing Repair
Tenure and Property Type (All Storms) Claims Assistance IHP Funding
Assistance Funding
Pasco Residents 87,680 25,655 6,485 29% 7%
Homeowners 52,916 16,240 5,724 31% 11%
Mobile Homes 10,748 4,338 2,036 40% 19%
All Other Residence Types 42,168 11,902 3,688 28% 9%
Renters 34,646 9,408 761 27% 2%
Mobile Homes 4,454 1,393 167 31% 4%
All Other Residence Types 30,192 8,015 594 27% 2%
Unknown 118 7 0 6% 0%
Mobile Homes 33 2 0 6% 0%
All Other Residence Types 85 5 0 6% 0%

HUD uses FEMA IHP program data on housing-unit damage to calculate unmet needs for housing for qualifying
disasters. Calculating unmet needs relies on this data, based on the FEMA-assessed level of damage. The
following table identifies the criteria for each of the five levels of damage, based on FEMA data:

FEMA
Owner-Occupied RPFVL Owner Occupied PPFVL Rental PPFVL
Category
Less than $2,500 of FEMA-
Less than $3,000 of FEMA- Less than $1,000 of FEMA-inspected
Minor-Low inspected personal property
inspected real property damage. personal property damage.
damage.
$1,000 to $1,999 of FEMA-inspected
$2,500 to $3,499 of FEMA-
$3,000 to $7,999 of FEMA- personal property damage or determination
Minor-High inspected personal property
inspected real property damage. of “Moderate” damage by the FEMA
damage.
inspector.
$8,000 to $14,999 of FEMA- $3,500 to $4,999 of FEMA- $2,000 to $3,499 of FEMA inspected
inspected real property damage inspected personal property personal property damage or 1 to 3.9 feet of
Major-Low
and/or 1 to 3.9 feet of flooding damage or 1 to 3.9 feet of flooding on the first floor or determination of
on the first floor. flooding on the first floor. “Major” damage by the FEMA inspector.
$15,000 to $28,800 of FEMA- $5,000 to $9,000 of FEMA-
$3,500 to $7,500 of FEMA-inspected
inspected real property damage inspected personal property
Major-High and/or 4 to 5.9 feet of flooding damage or 4 to 5.9 feet of
personal property damage or 4 to 5.9 feet of
flooding on the first floor.
on the first floor. flooding on the first floor.
Greater than $28,800 of FEMA Greater than $9,000 of FEMA Greater than $7,500 of FEMA-inspected
inspected real property damage inspected personal property personal property damage or determined
Severe or determined destroyed and/or damage or determined destroyed destroyed and/or 6 or more feet of flooding
6 or more feet of flooding on the and/or 6 or more feet of flooding on the first floor or determination of
first floor. on the first floor. “Destroyed” by the FEMA inspector.
Figure 21: FEMA Damage Level Category Criteria

The table on the following page further analyzes FEMA claims, including FEMA Estimated Property Loss (FVL) and
the estimated total loss using CDBG-DR formula HUD multipliers. Given insu_icient matching data between FEMA
and SBA, an understanding that FEMA data does not fully capture all remaining unmet needs for residents, and the
variance in FEMA claims submitted and paid, Pasco County has applied the following methodology for estimating
unmet needs using FEMA data in order of precedence:

1. The standard HUD multipliers for mobile homes were applied to Major-Low ($77,058), Major-High
($98,643), and Severe ($134,834) damage categories.

31
 2. The standard HUD multipliers for all other residence types (non-Mobile Homes) for the Hurricane disaster
type were applied to Major-Low ($36,800), Major-High ($45,952), and Severe ($45,954) damage categories.
3. Proxy calculations were used to determine the appropriate multipliers for Minor-Low and Minor-High
damage levels based on the residence type:
a. Mobile Homes: Factored a multiplier of 59.64% from the next highest residence type – based on a
ratio of the percentage di_erence between Major-Low and Major-High ($21,585) and Major-High
and Severe multipliers ($36,191) assigned by HUD. The ratio of ~59.64% (59.6419%) was factored
into the next highest damage type to determine multipliers for Minor-High ($45,959) and Minor-Low
($27,411) – each rounded to the nearest dollar.
b. All Other Residence Types (including Homes, Apartments, Condos, and Townhomes): The ratio of
Minor-High to Major-Low average real property loss calculations (~41.23%) was factored into the
next highest damage type to determine multipliers for Minor-High ($15,171) and Minor-Low ($6,254)
– each rounded to the nearest dollar.

Total FEMA
Damage Level and Residence Total FEMA Average Real
Estimated Estimated Total Loss
Type Claims Property Loss
Property Loss

All Residences 87,680 $128,238,745.58 $1,462.58 $1,317,256,412.00

Homes 53,297 $84,488,843.75 $1,585.25 $564,606,013.00
Mobile Homes 15,235 $37,356,637.89 $2,452.03 $588,338,719.00
Condo/Apartment/Townhouse 12,224 $4,870,008.00 $398.40 $112,480,097.00
Other 6,924 $1,523,255.94 $220.00 $51,831,583.00
Minor-Low 75,620 $2,437,698.03 $32.24 $723,616,773.00
Homes 46,113 $1,384,589.44 $30.03 $288,390,702.00
Mobile Homes 11,849 $764,980.68 $64.56 $324,792,939.00
Condo/Apartment/Townhouse 11,085 $60,483.21 $5.46 $69,325,590.00
Other 6,573 $227,644.70 $34.63 $41,107,542.00
Minor-High 2,525 $8,622,662.71 $3,414.92 $75,621,831.00
Homes 1,029 $3,007,860.96 $2,923.09 $15,610,959.00
Mobile Homes 1,212 $5,123,130.79 $4,227.01 $55,702,308.00
Condo/Apartment/Townhouse 153 $173,076.45 $1,131.22 $2,321,163.00
Other 131 $318,594.51 $2,432.02 $1,987,401.00
Major-Low 3,810 $28,383,383.11 $7,449.71 $170,079,436.00
Homes 2,429 $19,954,982.46 $8,215.31 $89,387,200.00
Mobile Homes 742 $5,717,975.24 $7,706.17 $57,177,036.00
Condo/Apartment/Townhouse 489 $2,225,258.94 $4,550.63 $17,995,200.00
Other 150 $485,166.47 $3,234.44 $5,520,000.00
Major-High 4,528 $62,376,301.22 $13,775.68 $269,824,508.00
Homes 2,855 $41,284,463.58 $14,460.41 $131,192,960.00
Mobile Homes 1,172 $18,833,351.30 $16,069.41 $115,609,596.00
Condo/Apartment/Townhouse 456 $2,083,704.58 $4,569.53 $20,954,112.00
Other 45 $174,781.76 $3,884.04 $2,067,840.00
Severe 1,197 $26,418,700.51 $22,070.76 $78,113,864.00
Homes 871 $18,856,947.31 $21,649.77 $40,024,192.00
Mobile Homes 260 $6,917,199.88 $26,604.61 $35,056,840.00
Condo/Apartment/Townhouse 41 $327,484.82 $7,987.43 $1,884,032.00
Other 25 $317,068.50 $12,682.74 $1,148,800.00
Figure 22: Housing Unmet Need (FEMA IA Data)

32
Considering available assistance data (FEMA and NFIP Repair Claims were considered; however, private insurance
claim totals were unavailable at time of assessment), the total Housing Unmet Needs – including a 30% increase
to account for resiliency measures and constructing homes to higher standards that make housing more resilient
to future disasters43 – is calculated at nearly $1.1 billion (Figure 19).

Cost Category # of Claims Average Amount Estimated Totals

Total Housing Impact 87,680 $15,023.45 $1,317,256,412.00
(-) Repair Assistance Received 5,456 $86,382.41 $471,302,402.56
FEMA Repair Assistance 5,456 $9,732.37 $53,099,837.84
NFIP Claims 5,443 $76,833.10 $418,202,564.72
Private Insurance Claims Unavailable at Time of Assessment
Total Unmet Need 75,620 $11,186.91 $845,954,009.44
(+) 30% Resiliency $1,099,740,212.27
Figure 23: Estimated Total Housing Unmet Need

Infrastructure
The 2023-2024 storms caused extensive damage to infrastructure systems across Pasco County. This section
evaluates unmet infrastructure recovery needs, organized by infrastructure categories and with attention to
damages in each municipality. “Infrastructure” here encompasses transportation systems, utilities, public
facilities, and other critical infrastructure. Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton each created di_erent
infrastructure challenges: Idalia’s storm surge undermined roads and seawalls; Helene’s surge and winds knocked
out utilities and flooded critical facilities; Milton’s heavy rains caused dam and drainage issues and further road
washouts. The overlapping impacts strained repair e_orts and revealed vulnerabilities.

Transportation
Roads and Bridges
Pasco County’s transportation network sustained widespread damage from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton,
including flooding, washouts, and debris-blocked roads. Storm surge from Idalia and Helene submerged U.S.
Highway 19 and eroded local roads in Port Richey, where crews rebuilt 1,200 feet of roadway near Waterfront Park
following Helene’s 16-foot surge. Hundreds of roads were initially blocked by debris, with Pasco receiving over 140
obstruction reports in the first hours after Milton’s landfall.44 . While most roads have reopened, unmet needs
remain for long-term repairs and mitigation. Certain areas may require floodwalls or raised roadbeds, and inland
zones need larger culverts and improved drainage. Structural assessments are needed for bridges stressed by
floodwaters. Additional funding is also needed to restore road shoulders, signage, and surfaces where only
temporary repairs were made.

Transit
Pasco County bus services (GoPasco) were disrupted45, including our Paratransit senior fleet for residents over the
age of 60 with low income. Buses were used in some cases for evacuation before the storms. After Helene and
Milton, regular bus routes were suspended for days due to impassable roads and shelters needing transportation
support. The county’s transit fleet was not severely damaged, but some bus stops and transfer stations were

43
The 30 percent resilience investment is consistent with HUD's approach in 2013 when it allocated CDBG-DR funding to
jurisdictions impacted by Superstorm Sandy (78 FR 69112).
44
Fox News 13 Sta_. (2024, October 10). Hurricane Milton Aftermath: Pasco county storm damage. FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
45
UPDATE: PCPT- Pasco County Public Transportation will resume bus service on Route 19 starting at 5 a.m. Wednesday
(10/10/18)
33
flooded. Unmet needs include repairing damaged transit facilities and possibly elevating or floodproofing key bus
stop areas. Also, ensuring transit access in recovery, like shuttles from temporary housing sites to commercial
centers, is part of recovery services (covered in Public Services). Residents brought up Pasco County’s aging bus
fleet as an area of concern during our recent town hall meeting in Hudson (April 17, 2025).

Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Infrastructure

Drinking Water Systems
Pasco County’s potable water system (a mix of county and city utilities) faced challenges primarily from power
outages and boil water notices. Floodwaters inundated some well fields and water treatment plant sites. For
example, after Helene, Pasco County Utilities issued a countywide boil-water advisory because low water pressure
occurred when backup generators at a pumping station failed during power loss. Saltwater intrusion from surge
threatened a coastal well in Hudson. In Dade City, a water main break occurred when uprooted trees cracked an
underground pipe.

While emergency repairs were made (with mutual aid from neighboring utilities), unmet needs are evident in the
need to harden water infrastructure against floods and power loss. Backup generators at well fields, elevating
electrical controls at treatment plants above flood level, and floodproofing well heads are needed. New Port
Richey’s water treatment plant is near the Pithlachascotee River; it came within inches of flooding during Helene –
a temporary berm saved it. A permanent berm or floodwall around that plant is an identified need to prevent a
catastrophic outage. The county’s water distribution lines in flooded areas should also be inspected for infiltration
or damage.

Wastewater (Sewer) Systems

The storms exposed vulnerabilities in wastewater infrastructure. Across the Tampa Bay region, an estimated 42
million gallons of sewage was spilled in October 2024 alone due to Helene and Milton.46 Pasco County contributed
significantly to this figure as floodwaters and power outages caused sewage lift stations and treatment plants to
fail. The West Pasco Wastewater Treatment Plant (serving New Port Richey and Port Richey areas) was inundated
by storm surge, leading to millions of gallons of partially treated sewage overflowing into local waterways. Nearby,
manhole covers in New Port Richey popped o_ under flood pressure, releasing raw sewage in streets (one dramatic
photo showed sewage bubbling out of a manhole downtown.47 Pasco County o_icials estimated 1.5 to 2 million
gallons of wastewater spills in the county from Helene/Milton. The impact of these spills is an environmental and
public health concern – residents wading through floodwaters were exposed to contamination, and cases of illness
(like Vibrio vulnificus infections) surged in Florida post-storm.

Unmet needs for wastewater infrastructure are substantial investments in resiliency. Pasco County needs to
upgrade sewer lift stations by elevating pumps and controls or making them submersible. The county has dozens
of lift stations; during Helene, dozens lost power and overflowed. Elevating and equipping lift stations with backup
generators or quick-connect generator hookups is essential. The wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Pasco –
including those in New Port Richey, Shady Hills, and Dade City – need flood mitigation. The New Port Richey plant
might need physical elevation of certain components or relocation of vulnerable equipment. Port Richey’s
wastewater system (a smaller utility) was completely o_line for days; the city is considering decommissioning
some low-lying pump stations and connecting those areas to county systems with more robust infrastructure. The
Dade City plant built in the Mickens-Harper neighborhood required already needed significant upgrades48 and

46
Simonton, Teghan, et. al. (2025, April 9). It’s been 6 months since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. how is Tampa Bay doing?
Tampa Bay Times.
47
Miller, Daylina (2024, October 13). Photos: Hurricane Milton’s devastation across the Tampa Bay Area. WUSF.
48
Blazonis, Sarah (2023, November 16) Dade City gets $1.75m to relocate, upgrade wastewater treatment plant.
34
needs were further exacerbated during Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These projects will require funding. Another
need is to repair damaged sewer lines: infiltration of stormwater into the sewer system was extreme, indicating
cracks and leaks. Pasco could implement an inflow/infiltration reduction program, including lining pipes and
sealing manholes.

Stormwater Drainage
Perhaps the most glaring infrastructure limitation was in stormwater management. In all three storms, Pasco
County’s stormwater systems (ditch networks, retention ponds, and drains) were overwhelmed. Helene’s rainfall
and surge combined to overwhelm coastal
drainage. During public input sessions,
several residents noted neighborhood
flooding in areas that have never previously
flooded.

Milton’s deluge caused broad sheet flow of

water in east Pasco – areas like Zephyrhills
saw stormwater ponds overtop and new
ponds form where water had nowhere to go.
The historic flooding in Silver Oaks
(Zephyrhills) suggests inadequate drainage
infrastructure for such extreme rainfall;
pumps ran for months but were insu_icient49.
Additionally, the county’s network of swales
and ditches in rural areas su_ered from
sedimentation and blockages. Figure 24: FEMA Flood Hazard Zones in Pasco County and Census Tracts with
>50% Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI) Population.
Unmet needs include comprehensive
stormwater system upgrades, such as dredging, enlarging culverts, constructing additional retention capacity, and
restoring natural drainage where possible. A map of flood hazard zones relative to income (Figure 20) illustrates
how widespread the flood-prone areas are, including areas principally serving LMI residents.

Areas in light blue are within the 1% annual chance (100-year) flood zone; green outlines indicate census tracts
that are majority LMI. This map shows that extensive portions of Pasco County are flood-prone, including many LMI
communities, including but not limited to parts of New Port Richey, Port Richey, and Dade City. Strengthening
stormwater infrastructure in these zones is a significant unmet recovery need.

49
Hodgson, Ian, and Chesnes, Max. (2024, October 12). In Pasco, historic flooding from repeat storms tests limit of rescue
crews. Tampa Bay Times.
35
 Given this concern, Pasco County may explore
infrastructure projects including improving the
Anclote River drainage basin (which impacts Holiday
and New Port Richey) – possibly through dredging or
upstream water storage to reduce flood peaks,
enhancing drainage in the Pithlachascotee River basin
(Port Richey/New Port Richey) – such as considering a
tide gate or pump system to evacuate water even
during high Gulf tides; and Cypress Creek/Cypress
Strand in central Pasco (impacts Wesley Chapel and
Lutz). Milton’s rains pushed Cypress Creek to record
levels, flooding neighborhoods; building additional
Figure 25: Anclote River Flooding (Hurricane Helene) retention or diversion channels could mitigate this. The
county’s Stormwater Management Division had plans pre-storm for some improvements, but the storms have
multiplied the urgency and scope. These plans include the redevelopment of Magnolia Valley, designed around a
38-acre regional stormwater facility constructed for flood attenuation and water quality improvement purposes.
This master plan also consists of passive and active facilities, including basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball
fields, tennis courts, trails, and exercise stations, making this a truly transformational project for Pasco County.
Additional funding is needed to execute these projects and other stormwater management improvements to failed
or functionally overwhelmed, especially in municipalities that rely on the county for broader watershed
management.

Power and Utilities (Electric Grid and Communications)

The hurricanes caused widespread power outages in Pasco County, some lasting over a week. Several utilities
serve Pasco: Duke Energy (west/north Pasco), Tampa Electric/TECO (south-east Pasco), Withlacoochee River
Electric Cooperative (east/rural Pasco). All reported massive outages. After Hurricane Helene, nearly 1.3 million
customers in Florida lost power; after Hurricane Milton, outages spiked to 3.4 million statewide – Milton almost
tripled Helene’s outages due to its track through highly populated areas. In the Tampa Bay region, 924,000
customers were still without power the day after Milton. In Pasco, estimates suggest 70% or more of the county
lost electricity during Milton, reflecting tens of thousands of households and businesses in the dark. Tampa
Electric - which serves parts of south Pasco like Wesley Chapel - experienced nearly 600,000 outages system-
wide, a_ecting about 70% of its customers. Duke Energy also had hundreds of thousands a_ected by outages. Full
restoration took 5-7 days for most, and up to 10 days for some pockets, as crews from around the country
assisted.50

Prolonged outages had cascading e_ects: water and sewer systems went o_line without power, tra_ic signals were
dark, and vulnerable residents without generators endured heat and limited medical device power. Pasco County
opened comfort stations where people could charge devices or get ice. Power companies have since been
repairing infrastructure, but unmet needs include support for grid hardening and backup power for critical
facilities.

Public Buildings, Facilities, and Parks

Government Buildings, Community Facilities, and Schools
Numerous public buildings across Pasco County sustained damage during Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton,
ranging from minor water intrusion to major structural and roof damage. While repairs are underway for many

50
Simonton, T. (2025, January 22). Hurricane Milton caused nearly triple the power outages of helene. Tampa Bay Times.
36
facilities, unmet needs remain, particularly strengthening these structures to withstand future events. Government
o_ices, community centers, and educational facilities were damaged and played critical roles as shelters,
coordination hubs, and resource centers during the storms, underscoring the importance of their ability to
withstand storms and other disasters.

Community buildings used as shelters and recovery hubs also su_ered damage. Hudson Regional Library saw
increased use as a multi-agency resource center and point of distribution site for relief resources. Community
centers such as the Moore-Mickens Education Center in Dade City saw increased use as temporary shelter and
relief sites but also experienced minor structural damage during Helene’s rains and wind events.

Pasco County Schools experienced impacts from both Helene and Milton. While Helene brought moderate wind
damage and localized flooding, Hurricane Milton caused more severe disruptions. Cypress Creek High School
reported substantial roof damage that resulted in water intrusion, forcing portions of the school to close and
relocate classes. Hudson Elementary School was flooded during both Idalia and Helene, leading to significant
interior damage that required remediation and portable classrooms for displaced students. The school district
reported extensive damage to some schools from Hurricane Milton.51 Pasco’s superintendent noted that around a
dozen schools had damage significant enough to disrupt classes.52 While insurance has covered portions of these
costs, full recovery and necessary resilience upgrades—such as reinforced roofing systems, backup generators,
and improved stormwater drainage around school campuses—remain unfunded.

Unmet needs across these public and community-serving facilities include not only repairing existing damage but
enhancing their ability to withstand future storms and other disasters: elevating lift stations and other electrical
systems, moving fire stations, installing impact-rated windows, reinforcing roofing materials, and equipping all
critical buildings with reliable backup power. Many of these facilities are designated shelters or serve vulnerable
populations, making their continued operation during disasters essential to public safety and continuity of
services.

Parks and Recreation Facilities

Pasco County’s parks, especially along the coast, were significantly impacted. Helene and Milton heavily damaged
SunWest Park in Hudson, a major county park with a beach. A storm surge washed massive amounts of sand o_
the beach and into the parking lot, closing the park for months. Crews had to import 26 truckloads of sand to
replace what was lost and make the beach safe again. As of April 2025, SunWest Park finally reopened after
restoration.53 This example underscores both the damage and the recovery e_ort required. Other parks had
boardwalks destroyed or significant erosion. Inland parks also saw damage from wind, with over 200 trees
uprooted or damaged. The region lost many public trees in parks during the storms, which impacts shade and
ecosystem benefits. Unmet needs include park facility repairs – including rebuilding boardwalks, pavilions, and
playgrounds, along with environmental restoration – such as replanting trees and restoring eroded shorelines.
There is also an opportunity to compound benefits with parks serving as stormwater retention in some cases,
which could be a mitigation strategy the County explores.

Debris Management
As part of infrastructure recovery, debris cleanup was a huge task. Pasco County removed ~1.3 million cubic yards
of storm debris post-Helene and Milton54, a massive volume that strained landfill and debris sites. While the

51
FOX 13 Tampa Bay. (2024, October 14). Pasco schools damaged by Hurricane Milton. FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
52
Solochek, Je_rey S. (2024, October 18). Tampa Bay Area Schools rushed to reopen after Milton. was it too soon?. Tampa Bay
Times.
53
Lewis, C. (2025, April 22). Sunwest Park reopens to public after damage sustained from Hurricanes. Bay News 9.
54
Pasco County News Brief - February 03, 2025
37
immediate need has been largely addressed, one unmet need is funding for debris management improvements.
The county may consider establishing a permanent debris management site or purchasing equipment to handle
future events better. Additionally, waterway debris remains an issue; some waterways still have debris that could
impede navigation or pose hazards, requiring removal.

Summary: Infrastructure
Pasco County’s infrastructure unmet needs revolve around repairing damages (many of which are still in progress
or pending funding) and building back stronger to reduce future disaster impacts. Virtually every sector—
transportation, utilities, public facilities—has opportunities for mitigation. Figure 27 in the conclusion will
summarize the priority infrastructure needs across Pasco. The county and its cities will need to coordinate closely,
leveraging CDBG-DR alongside other funds (FEMA PA, state grants) to address these infrastructure needs
comprehensively.

As data was evaluated, we learned of limitations with the FEMA OpenData. The County consulted with its internal
Grants Division to receive updated FEMA PA project data. Based on updated FEMA Public Assistance (PA) data
obtained through coordination with Pasco County’s Grants Division, the following table (Figure 22) is a summary of
FEMA PA assistance received by Pasco County for Hurricanes Idalia (DR-4734), Helene (DR-4828), and Milton (DR-
4834):

Estimated Total Total Federal Total State Total Local

FEMA PA Category
PA Cost Share Share Share

A – Debris Removal $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

B – Emergency Protective Measures $7,800,000.00 $7,800,000.00 $0.00 $0.00
C – Roads and Bridges $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
D – Water Control Facilities $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
E – Buildings and Equipment $4,178,928.00 $3,134,196.00 $522,366.00 $522,366.00
F – Utilities $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
G – Parks and Other $4,964,311.81 $3,723,233.86 $620,538.98 $620,538.98
Total $16,943,239.81 $14,657,429.86 $1,142,904.98 $1,142,904.98
Figure 26: Infrastructure Unmet Need (FEMA PA Data)

The following table (Figure 23) adds an additional 30% total for resiliency and 26.9% total for increased cost of
building materials55 due to inflation and cost increases over time for eligible FEMA PA Categories with non-federal
share requirements56.

Estimated Total
26.9% Non-Federal
PA Cost with
FEMA PA Category 30% Increased Cost Match
Increased Safety
Resiliency of Building Required (Total
and Material
Materials Unmet Need)
Costs
A – Debris Removal $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
B – Emergency Protective Measures $2,340,000.00 $2,098,200.00 $12,238,200.00 $0.00
C – Roads and Bridges $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00

55
Producer Price Index by Industry: Building Material and Supplies Dealers, May 2024,
https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/PCU44414441
56
Non-Federal Match Required is calculated as Local share plus State share, as applicable.
38
 D – Water Control Facilities $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
E – Buildings and Equipment $1,253,678.40 $1,124,131.63 $6,556,738.03 $1,639,184.51
F – Utilities $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
G – Parks and Other $1,489,293.54 $1,335,399.88 $7,789,005.23 $1,947,251.31
Total $5,082,971.94 $4,557,731.51 $26,583,943.26 $3,586,435.82
Figure 23: Infrastructure Unmet Need (FEMA PA Data)

Through consultations with County departments and Pasco County’s municipalities, the County has built a list of
known projects not funded through other sources. After applying another 30% increased cost for resiliency
measures, and an additional 26.9% for increased cost of building materials due to inflation, we have calculated an
additional $241,423,175 in unmet needs to support these projects adversely impacted by the 2023-2024 storms
(Figure 24).

Estimated Total PA
26.9% Increased Cost with
Other Infrastructure Initial Cost
30% Resiliency Cost of Building Resiliency and
Projects Projections
Materials Increased Cost of
Materials

Standalone Projects $153,870,730 $46,161,219 $41,391,226.37 $241,423,175

Figure 24: Standalone Projects Identified by County

Pasco County will utilize infrastructure and mitigation funding to support unmet needs for Infrastructure projects.

Economic Revitalization
Beyond the immediate physical damage, Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton severely impacted Pasco County’s
economy, especially to small businesses. This section analyzes the economic impacts and unmet needs related to
business recovery, job losses, and overall economic revitalization. Particular attention is given to small businesses.
The storms caused both direct losses (physical damage to business properties, inventory, equipment) and indirect
losses (business interruption, lost revenue due to power outages and customer displacement). While federal aid
(like SBA loans) has been o_ered, many businesses face gaps in recovery resources.

Historic development patterns in Pasco County have guided the location of business establishments, with a
significant number of small-scale retail and food services located along the coastal US-19 highway. In contrast,
industrial parks, healthcare facilities, and other industries with large building footprints are predominantly located
close to major commercial transit routes such as SR 54, I-75, and US-301.

Hurricane Helene caused extensive storm surge flooding to businesses west of US-19 and resulted in property
damage, inventory damages, and closures. The business damage assessment survey conducted by the local Small
Business Development Center (SBDC) indicated that 67% of 106 respondents from Pasco County su_ered
damages totaling $1.35 million from Hurricane Helene. These were concentrated in four industries: Hospitality,
Tourism and Food Services, Retail Trade, Real Estate, Rental and Leasing, and Other. These industries also
reported the highest number of business entities that su_ered both physical and economic damages from the
hurricane. Inland locations remained outside the area of inundation caused by Helene’s storm surge, sparing them
from the most severe impacts.

Hurricane Milton produced both flooding and wind-related impacts in Pasco County, contributing to damages
totaling $1.45 million. The Hurricane Milton survey included responses from 82 businesses. The assessment
indicated a wider variety of damages—flood, physical, and economic—were encountered by respondents.
39
Hospitality, Tourism, and Food Services and Other were again the most impacted industries, followed by
Educational Services, Construction, and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services. Only 20% of businesses
reported flood damage, while 54% experienced physical damage, and an overwhelming 90% experienced
economic damages, showing how widespread business disruptions can be even in the absence of significant
storm surge.

PascoEDC, the County’s Economic Development Council, noted that in their recovery response e_orts, industrial
sites were generally located outside of floodplains. These structures reported minimal wind or water-related
damages, and the primary disruptions were due to power outages that a_ected production. They also noted that
small businesses were most severely impacted due to the following issues:

Lack of risk
management
Lack of knowledge of
planning, such as the
Location in flood- Lack of capital to cover recovery resources
existence or
prone areas recovery activities available to the
appropriate execution
business community
of business continuity
plans

Another key observation from the post-disaster recovery e_orts was the disruption to the local workforce. Business
damage assessments revealed that many employers had to lay o_ sta_—either temporarily or permanently—due
to closures, physical damage, or economic losses. A high number of businesses sought SBA Economic Injury
Disaster Loans and Emergency Bridge Loans to maintain operations and cover payroll, underscoring the fragility of
the labor market in impacted sectors.

Many small businesses, especially in coastal areas, lacked the resilience and flexibility to retain sta_ during
disruptions. Employees, meanwhile, faced barriers like property damage, displacement, and transportation
issues, further reducing workforce participation. The events highlighted the need not only for short-term recovery
assistance but for longer-term investment in workforce development - particularly in high-turnover industries like
hospitality, retail, and food services. The County has an opportunity to strengthen economic resilience and better
prepare its labor force for future disruptions.

Impacts on Small Businesses

Pasco County is home to thousands of small businesses – retail shops, restaurants, services, manufacturing, and
agriculture – many of which su_ered in the disasters:

Physical Damage and Business Interruption

In the coastal communities (Port Richey, New Port Richey, Holiday), storm surge from Idalia and Helene flooded
numerous businesses. Along Port Richey’s waterfront, several popular restaurants and bars had their lower levels,
docks, and equipment destroyed. Even businesses not physically damaged were closed for days or weeks due to
extended power outages, boil water notices, road closures, and storefront repairs. Retail shops missed critical
sales days. The storms essentially halted everyday commerce – restaurants lost food stock due to a lack of
refrigeration and lost revenue.

40
Employment and Income Loss
Many workers lost wages when businesses closed. Hourly employees at restaurants, retail, and service firms went
unpaid during the closure period. Tragically, some businesses have not since reopened, causing permanent job
loss. The cumulative e_ect is reduced household income, further straining families dealing with home losses.

While larger corporations (like chain stores) often have insurance and resources to rebuild, small businesses are
far more vulnerable, often underinsured and reliant on each week’s income to stay afloat. Many Pasco
entrepreneurs turned to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan program for help. By October
2024, SBA had opened a business recovery center in nearby Tampa to assist businesses and residents a_ected by
Hurricanes Helene, Milton, and Debby. However, a major setback occurred on October 15, 2024, when it was
announced that SBA’s disaster loan funding was fully expended. The program temporarily ran out of money due to
the scale of disasters, and no new loans could be issued until Congress provided more funds. This left many Pasco
businesses in limbo: they could apply and be approved but not receive funds until later. This delay has been
devastating for some. Though Congress subsequently appropriated additional SBA loan funds, some businesses
gave up waiting for much-needed funding.

Special Sectors
Tourism
Pasco’s tourism drivers include sports events, historical sites, parks, and eco-tourism. Funds for tourism
promotion and events could be beneficial to draw people into a_ected downtown and beach areas.

Industrial
Pasco has several industrial parks, including parks located in a_ected areas. These larger employers might have
insurance, but any unmet needs for rebuilding could a_ect jobs. Given the broad impact, Pasco County may
consider several economic revitalization programs with CDBG-DR:

1. Small Business Recovery Loan and Grant Programs: Including grants or forgivable loans to small
businesses (especially those with <50 employees or in LMI areas) to repair physical damage, replace
inventory, or pay for operating costs during the recovery period. This could prioritize businesses that serve
essential community needs or employ residents.
2. Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Including funding for workshops, one-on-one counseling,
and application help for businesses to access other resources (SBA loans when available, state bridge
loans, insurance claims).
3. Façade or Code Improvements: Since repairs will happen, o_ering additional incentives to improve
buildings to current codes can improve resilience, building safety, and appearance.
4. Workforce Recovery: If their employer closed due to the storms, some workers may need new
employment. Pasco County may explore the possibility of partnering with the local workforce board to
provide job placement or even short-term subsidized employment in recovery projects, such as hiring local
labor for reconstruction.
The estimated total assistance provided through the SBA and NFIP insurance amounts to approximately $62
million; this covered roughly one-third of the total verified loss of $176 million using available data. The resulting
unmet need totals more than $147 million (Figure 25). This di_erence indicates that businesses may still need
recovery and mitigation assistance to rebuild operations to return to their pre-disaster state.

41
 SBA and NFIP Business Disaster Analysis
Economic Unmet
Current Verified Loss Total Assistance Need (with 30%
Resiliency)
$176,109,186.20 $62,390,296,93 $147,834,556.05
Figure 25: SBA and NFIP Business Disaster Analysis

Public Services
Disasters do not only damage physical assets – they also create immense needs for public services and put strain
on the social support systems of a community. In Pasco County, the 2023-2024 storms led to surging demand for a
range of public and social services, including emergency response, healthcare, social assistance, and disaster
case management. This section examines unmet needs in the public services realm, including needs specific to
municipalities or populations, such as residents with limited English proficiency, seniors, homeless or housing
insecure individuals, and low-income households. In the context of CDBG-DR, Public Services also refers to
eligible activities like health and mental health services, housing counseling, legal aid, job training, and other
services that help residents recover.

Emergency Response and Public Safety Services

The immediate response to the hurricanes showcased both the strength and the strain of Pasco’s public safety
agencies. Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and other first responders worked around the clock during and after
the storms, performing rescues, securing neighborhoods, and providing aid. Pasco County Fire Rescue and the
Sheri_’s O_ice conducted more than 400 high-water rescues combined during Helene and Milton.57 They did so in
coordination with National Guard teams. While heroic, this e_ort taxed personnel and resources. In the aftermath,
responders were also dealing with their own impacted homes (many first responders are residents who su_ered
losses). Unmet needs remain in this realm months after the storms

Health and Medical Services

The hurricanes impacted healthcare facilities and created a surge in health needs. Wastewater overflows and
floodwaters introduced public health risks. Unmet needs include continued public health monitoring and outreach
in a_ected areas – as noted in public input townhall sessions, some wells may still be contaminated, mold in
homes poses respiratory risks, and other health concerns still exist. Clinics serving low-income residents saw
increased demand post-storm for respiratory care, mental health counseling, and medication refills – as many lost
medications in the flooding. Mental health services are a particularly acute need: survivors have faced trauma
from near-drownings, loss of homes and livelihoods, and even grief from disaster-related deaths in the
community.58 Pasco County has a pre-existing shortage of mental health providers, and the disasters exacerbated
this. Local nonprofits and providers - like BayCare Behavioral Health - report long waitlists for counseling. The
temporary housing site “Pasco Hope” in Holiday plans to o_er on-site mental health counseling for residents
coping with trauma59, illustrating recognition of this need. CDBG-DR funds can support expanded counseling and
mental health programs for disaster survivors – for example, by funding additional counselors through community
centers or school-based programs. Each municipality has residents in need: in Port Richey/New Port Richey, some
individuals who were caught in life-threatening surge flooding are dealing with PTSD-like symptoms; in Zephyrhills

57
Paul, Gabriella. (2024, September 27). Pasco emergency o@icials “prepare for body recovery” in wake of Helene’s storm
surge. WUSF.
58
Simonton, Teghan, et. al. (2025, April 9). It’s been 6 months since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. how is Tampa Bay doing?
Tampa Bay Times.
59
Lebron, Sky. (2024, October 25). Pasco County is opening a temporary housing community for residents displaced by recent
hurricanes. WUSF.
42
and Dade City, families that lost everything in floodwaters require grief counseling and stress management; older
adults in all areas may need specialized mental health outreach, as disasters can trigger depression or anxiety in
seniors.

Healthcare infrastructure itself also requires support. Hospitals operated on generators and faced patient surges
after the storms. Additionally, Pasco County Fire Rescue’s EMS operations were taxed – ambulance response times
were impacted in the aftermath due to high call volume and roadway conditions. An unmet need is funding for a
temporary increase in EMS units or a reserve fleet to deploy during disasters.

Social Services and Case Management

Another critical aspect of long-term recovery is helping residents navigate the labyrinth of assistance programs
and rebuild their lives. Many Pasco residents, especially the most vulnerable, need ongoing case management. For
instance, low-income families who lost their homes and cars in the floods may need help applying for FEMA
assistance, SBA loans, unemployment benefits, and then finding new housing and jobs. Pasco County has been
working with non-profit partners to provide Disaster Case Management, but the demand exceeds available
resources. Unmet need exists for a robust long-term recovery case management program – possibly funded
through CDBG-DR public services – that can handle hundreds of cases and assist survivors – homeowners and
residents, including seniors, disabled persons, veterans, homeless individuals, and those with severe housing cost
burdens - through to a stable recovery. This would involve hiring case managers who can develop individual
recovery plans for each household, coordinate construction volunteers for those who need home repairs, connect
clients to other wrap-around resources, and ensure no one falls through the cracks throughout the long-term
recovery process.

Language Access
Pasco County is diverse, and a noteworthy portion of the population has limited English proficiency (LEP). The top
non-English languages spoken at home in Pasco include Spanish (by far the largest) and smaller communities
speaking languages like Haitian Creole, Russian/Polish, and others. Figure 26 maps the distribution of LEP
households by primary language spoken.

Spanish-speaking LEP populations are

concentrated in New Port Richey/Port Richey
on the west side and in Dade City and
surrounding areas in the east. Additionally, a
notable Haitian Creole-speaking group exists
near Zephyrhills. These communities faced
language barriers in understanding emergency
orders, applying for aid, and accessing
services. Moving forward, unmet needs may
include establishing a more systematic
language access program in disaster recovery.

Assistance for Vulnerable Populations

Several specific populations require tailored
public services post-disaster:
Figure 26: Languages Spoken by LEP Households
Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
Pasco has a large retiree population, many living in the a_ected coastal communities or in 55+ mobile home parks.
These storms revealed how vulnerable some seniors are – a 79-year-old woman in a neighboring county drowned

43
alone at home during Helene’s surge60, underscoring the stakes. In Pasco, emergency o_icials conducted outreach
to known special-needs individuals but, going forward, there’s a need for improved registries and check-in
systems. The county’s nutrition program, Meals on Wheels, had to expand after the storms because more seniors
became homebound due to physical injury or loss of transportation. Ensuring funding to continue expanded meal
delivery, in-home care, and medical transport for impacted seniors is essential. Also, many disabled residents lost
mobility equipment, such as wheelchairs and ramps, to flood damage. Nonprofits have provided some
replacements, but a more comprehensive program to assist those with functional needs in recovery, like replacing
medical equipment and providing accessible temporary housing, is needed. Municipal senior centers became
information hubs after the storms for information; these centers need resources to enhance their outreach.

Homeless Individuals
Pasco had a homeless population pre-storm, and it likely grew after the storms as some people without resources
lost their housing. Shelters like Metropolitan Ministries in Holiday saw greater demand for services. Public services
funding can support emergency shelter expansion or rapid rehousing programs for those newly homeless due to
the disasters. The Pasco Hope temporary housing community also serves some previously homeless individuals
and families who were living in tents that got washed away; connecting these individuals to longer-term housing
and services - like mental health or substance abuse treatment, if needed - is an identified need.

Children and Youth

School disruptions - roughly two weeks of classes were missed across Pasco due to Helene and Milton - and storm
impacts have a_ected children. Schools are a focal point for providing stability and support. Unmet needs include
counseling in schools and academic support for students who fell behind due to displacement. Pasco Schools
might establish an academic tutoring program or an after-school program in heavily impacted schools to help
students catch up. Additionally, youth-serving organizations could use support to extend hours or o_er special
programs for storm-a_ected youth – such as programs providing meals, since some kids’ families still struggle with
food security after job/income loss, or funding needed repairs to maintain a decent, safe, and sanitary housing
environment.

Legal Aid
In the wake of the storms, many residents have faced legal challenges – for instance, disputes with insurance
companies, landlord-tenant issues, contractor fraud and other scams, and title and documentation problems
(e.g., some homeowners lacked clear title and had trouble proving ownership to get FEMA aid). Legal services
providers in the area, like Bay Area Legal Services, have been assisting low-income survivors with these issues, but
they are stretched thin. An unmet need exists to expand free legal clinics or assistance specifically for disaster
recovery issues. This can significantly expedite individual recoveries.

Community and Faith-Based Organizations

It is important to note the role of local organizations in providing public services post-disaster. Churches, charities,
and community groups in Pasco have provided food, clothing, cleaning supplies, and emotional support. As one
example, Volunteer Way - a food pantry in Pasco County - saw a spike in need and distributed thousands of extra
meals. The Salvation Army Pasco division operated mobile feeding units in flooded neighborhoods in the
immediate aftermath. While these groups have done tremendous work, they have lingering unmet needs – funding
to replenish their resources and expand capacity for the long haul of recovery. CDBG-DR can indirectly support

60
Simonton, Teghan, et. al. (2025, April 9). It’s been 6 months since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. how is Tampa Bay doing?
Tampa Bay Times.
44
them by funding the services they deliver through subrecipient agreements or grants. Continuing and strengthening
these public-private partnerships will ensure a more holistic recovery.

Summary: Public Services

In summary, the human services dimension of Pasco County’s unmet needs is as crucial as bricks-and-mortar
recovery. Addressing social needs – health, mental health, safety net services, and reducing impediments to
access for assistance – will ensure that the most vulnerable residents recover alongside the rest of the community.
Pasco County will dedicate a portion of its funding to public services, within the 15% cap for CDBG-DR public
service activities, to fund programs such as disaster case management, legal aid, mental health counseling, and
outreach to reduce impediments to access for vulnerable populations. These e_orts will complement the
infrastructure and housing investments by strengthening community resilience and well-being.

Summary and Conclusion

In the wake of Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton, Pasco County faces a long road to full recovery. This Unmet
Needs Assessment has detailed the extensive damages and remaining needs across Housing, Infrastructure,
Economic Revitalization, and Public Services – the core aspects of a holistic recovery. Pasco County’s most
fundamental needs lie in housing: thousands of homes require repair or reconstruction, and many families still
lack permanent housing solutions. Infrastructure needs are likewise massive, from rebuilding roads and utilities to
hardening systems against future storms. The local economy, especially small businesses, needs a jump-start
after unprecedented interruption and loss. And the community’s social fabric requires further assistance through
robust public services, ensuring that individuals and families are not left behind as recovery progresses.

The following table (Figure 27) evaluates the percentage of remaining unmet needs across the three core areas of
recovery – Housing, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization:

Summary of Impacts/Support Housing Infrastructure Economy Total

Amount of Estimated Impact $1,317,256,412.00 $258,366,415.18 $176,109,186.20 $1,751,732,013.38
(-) Amount of Funds Available $471,302,402.56 $13,356,803.99 $62,390,296.93 $547,049,503.48
Unmet Needs ([Impact -
Available Funds] + Resiliency $1,099,740,212.27 $245,009,611.19 $147,834,556.05 $1,492,584,379.51
and Increased Costs)
Percent of Total Unmet
73.68% 16.42% 9.90% 100.00%
Needs
Figure 27: Estimated Needs for Core Areas of Recovery

As shown above in Figure 27, Pasco County’s unmet needs significantly exceed the available CDBG-DR allocation
of $585.7 million. The total unmet needs outlined (roughly $1.5 billion) are on the order of the allocation, indicating
that Pasco will need to carefully prioritize funding and also leverage other sources (FEMA, state, private insurance,
etc.) to address all recovery aspects. The Action Plan will prioritize life-safety and housing needs first, in line with
HUD guidance that housing recovery is paramount, while also ensuring that infrastructure, economic recovery, and
public service projects that underpin the community’s functionality are addressed.

Figure 28 below provides a high-level summary of estimated unmet needs across these sectors in Pasco County,
incorporating data available at the time of assessment. All figures are preliminary estimates and will be updated as
the Program evolves.

45
 Estimated % Estimated %
CDBG-DR
% of CDBG- to CDBG-DR to HUD Estimated %
Eligible Cost Category Allocation
DR Allocation Mitigation identified to LMI
Amount
Set-aside MID Areas
Housing $305,000,000.00 52% 0% 100% 85%
Infrastructure $130,022,800.00 22% 0% 100% 70%
Economic Revitalization $25,000,000.00 4% 0% 100% 70%
Public Service $10,000,000.00 2% 0% 100% 100%
CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside $76,396,000.00 13% 100% 100% 70%
Administration $29,285,200.00 5%
Planning $10,000,000.00 2% 0%
Total $585,704,000.00 100% 100% 100% 74%
% of Total 100% 100% 13% 100%
Figure 28: Summary of Unmet Needs by Sector - Pasco County (2023-2024 Disasters)

Recovery needs overlap with mitigation needs. HUD’s allocation to Pasco also includes funds designated for the
mitigation of future risks. Pasco County intends to integrate mitigation into every recovery project – rebuilding
smarter and stronger. When repairing repeatedly flooding roads, the county will aim to elevate it or improve
drainage. When reconstructing homes, elevation and wind-hardened construction will be included to the extent
possible, in coordination with other State, HUD, and FEMA mitigation programs. We will discuss this further in the
next section of this Action Plan.

Community engagement has been and will continue to be central to identifying and addressing unmet needs.
Pasco County held public input workshops in April 2025 in Holiday, Hudson, and Dade City to hear directly from
residents on recovery priorities. Common themes included the urgency of getting people back in their homes,
frustration with insurance and the desire for advocacy, concerns about future floods, a desire for strengthened
public services – including seniors, veterans, and homeless individuals, and the need to support local businesses
so the economy can bounce back. These sentiments reinforce the findings of this assessment. The county’s long-
term recovery e_orts will align with what our evaluation of data supports and the community has voiced – focusing
on housing and infrastructure while also considering economic revitalization needs and the human services side of
recovery.

By addressing critical housing needs, particularly for homeowners and renters, investing in resilient infrastructure
restoration, revitalizing the economy, including the small business sector, and bolstering public and social
services, Pasco County can recover from the 2023-2024 hurricanes and build back stronger for our county’s
residents. The journey will span multiple years – some housing and infrastructure projects will take two to six years
to complete – but with the strategic use of the CDBG-DR funds and coordinated e_orts with state and federal
partners, the County is determined to restore Pasco’s communities. Our goal is not just to rebuild what was lost,
but to reduce risk and ensure that all residents, from the coast of Port Richey to the farms of Dade City, emerge
from this recovery safer, more secure, and resilient in the face of future storms and disaster-related events. Pasco
County’s “Better Future” initiative describes our forward-looking approach, turning a hard-learned lesson from
Idalia, Helene, and Milton into an opportunity to create a safer, stronger, and more connected community in the
years ahead.

46
 Mitigation Needs Assessment
Introduction and Background
Pasco County faces many natural hazards that pose risks to its people, economy, and built
environment. This Mitigation Needs Assessment provides a comprehensive, risk-based analysis of
current and future hazards in Pasco County, forming the foundation for the County’s 2025 CDBG-
DR Action Plan. It draws on the County’s recently updated Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS) 61 and
the Resilient Pasco Risk & Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) (2024)62 to identify key hazards—
including sea-level rise, hurricanes, tornadoes, storm surge, flooding, drought, wildfires, extreme
heat, and sinkholes—and evaluate their impacts on local communities.
The assessment considers historical disaster data and future projections, recognizing that Pasco
County was included in 12 federal disaster declarations (for hurricanes, tropical storms, severe
storms, and even a pandemic)63 between 2018 and 2023 alone. It also acknowledges the influence
of changing weather in exacerbating specific hazards (e.g., rising seas, higher temperatures).
By understanding these risks, Pasco County can strategically invest its CDBG-DR mitigation
funding to reduce vulnerabilities and build long-term resilience.

Overview of Hazard Risks in Pasco County

Pasco County’s geography – spanning coastal lowlands on the Gulf of America to inland uplands in
central Florida – means that different county areas face different hazard exposures. However, every
jurisdiction within Pasco is vulnerable to one or more hazards (natural or man-made).
Figure 29 below summarizes the significant hazards in Pasco County, their relative risk levels, and
recent examples of impacts. The Pasco LMS hazard analysis and the Resilient Pasco RVA data
inform this risk overview.
Figure 29: Summary of Pasco County Risks and Recent Impacts

Hazard Risk Level Key Impacts with Examples

Hurricanes High
Widespread wind damage, power outages, and debris, e.g., Hurricane Irma (2017) caused
& Tropical (frequent
countywide damage and long outages; mobile homes are especially vulnerable (all mobile
Storms storms
home parks require evacuation for hurricanes).
(Wind) historically)
High Inundation of coastal neighborhoods and infrastructure. Hurricane Idalia (2023) pushed storm
Storm Surge
(catastrophic surge approximately 5 feet into Hudson and other coastal Pasco communities64, flooding
(Coastal
in coastal homes. Hurricane Helene (2024) brought an even higher surge (4+ feet above Idalia levels) in
Flooding)
areas) New Port Richey and surrounding areas.
Inland High Frequent heavy thunderstorms and tropical systems cause flash flooding and ponding.
Flooding (moderate-to- Western Pasco has low-lying neighborhoods that flood in summer rain, and eastern Pasco has

61
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
62
Resilient Pasco. (2024). Resilient Pasco Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
63
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
64
Axelbank, E. (2023, August 31). Idalia aftermath: Pasco County residents clean up after major hurricane.
FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

47
 (Heavy high impacts areas of closed-basin flooding (poor drainage). In 2015, record rainfall caused extensive
Rain/Rivers) in low-lying neighborhood flooding and road closures. Multiple flood events occurred between 2014 and
areas) 2023.
Rising sea levels will amplify coastal flood risk over the coming decades. Nuisance “sunny
High
Long-Term day” tidal flooding will worsen - under intermediate projections, Pasco may see approximately
(gradually
Sea Level 83 high tide flood days per year by 2070. Higher sea levels mean a 1% annual chance of flood
increasing
Rise (100-year) affecting more areas: by 2040, many US-19 corridor properties could be isolated in
tidal flooding)
a major surge event.
Pasco experiences approximately 1 tornado per year on average – 21 tornadoes were recorded
Moderate
Tornadoes from 2003–2023. Most are EF0–EF1, but they can still cause property damage (e.g. a
(localized but
& Severe November 2018 outbreak spawned 3 tornadoes causing $600K+ in damage). Severe
notable
Storms thunderstorms also bring down trees and hail (hail up to 1–1.75” has been reported, though
damage)
generally causing minor damages).
Periodic droughts impact agriculture, water supply, and wildfire risk. In prolonged drought,
Moderate crop losses and water shortages occur – a two-year drought in the late 1990s caused an
Drought
(periodic) estimated $100 million in crop damage statewide and a 6% citrus yield reduction. Droughts
also prompt water-use restrictions and contribute to wildfire fuel buildup.
Moderate Dry seasons and lightning make Pasco susceptible to wildfires, especially in interface areas
(high in near large preserves. Wildfires have frequently occurred in Starkey Park and around the
Wildfire wildland- Suncoast Parkway/I-75 corridor, where forests meet development. The 1998 Florida wildfires65
urban (drought-driven) burned thousands of acres statewide, including portions of Pasco. Homes
boundaries) adjacent to wooded areas (e.g. in Land O’ Lakes, Trinity) face periodic brush fire threats.
High summertime temperatures (90°F+ with high humidity) pose health risks, especially
Moderate inland. Inland communities experience more extreme heat days than coastal ones – for
Extreme (increasing example, inland Pasco sees heat advisories on significantly more days than the coast due to
Heat with changing the lack of sea breeze. Heat waves can affect vulnerable populations (elderly, outdoor
weather) workers, those without AC) and contribute to drought and energy strain. Pasco’s RVA projects
more frequent and intense heat waves in the coming decades.
Pasco lies in Florida’s “Sinkhole Alley” (along with Hernando and Hillsborough counties).66 Its
Moderate geology means sinkholes can occur with little warning, swallowing land and structures. Heavy
Sinkholes
(ongoing rainfall and fluctuating groundwater (e.g., after drought or during floods) trigger sinkholes.
(Land
background Notably, after Hurricane Irma’s heavy rains in 2017, over 400 sinkhole incidents were reported
Subsidence)
risk) in Pasco County. Sinkholes cause serious property damage and require costly remediation;
Pasco promotes public awareness and monitoring of sinkhole warning signs.

Coastal flooding (including storm surge) and hurricane winds represent some of the highest risks in
Pasco County, given the County’s location on Florida’s Gulf Coast and history of tropical cyclones.
Inland flooding from heavy rainfall is also a recurring problem. Other hazards like wildfire, drought,
extreme heat, and sinkholes pose more localized or episodic threats but can still be devastating in
certain circumstances. Each hazard is detailed in the sections below, emphasizing how it has
impacted or may impact Pasco County communities.

65
Frames.Gov Fire Research and Management Exchange System (2024, March 11) Through the flames: an
assessment of Florida's wildfires of 1998
66
Rahman, K. (2021, July 13). Florida Sinkhole Map: Where have incidents been reported in the state?
Newsweek.

48
 Detailed Hazard Assessment and Impacts
Hurricanes and Strong Wind Events
Hurricanes and tropical storms regularly threaten Pasco County during the Atlantic hurricane
season. The County’s hazard mitigation plan identifies tropical cyclones (hurricanes) as a high-
probability, high-impact hazard.67 Several factors drive Pasco’s vulnerability:

Significant proportion
Long Gulf coastline
of elderly residents
exposed to storm Large coastal
who may have greater
landfalls and onshore population
difficulty evacuating
winds
or recovering.

Historically, Pasco County has experienced direct and indirect impacts from numerous hurricanes.
In 2017, Hurricane Irma swept through Florida, causing countywide wind damage, downed trees,
and prolonged power outages in Pasco. More recently, in 2023, Hurricane Idalia passed just north
of Pasco but still brought tropical-storm-force winds, heavy rains, and storm surge flooding along
Pasco’s coast.
In 2024, Hurricane Helene delivered tropical storm conditions in Pasco, highlighting that even near-
miss or offshore storms can have significant impacts. Helene’s large wind field pushed water into
Pasco’s coast, causing record flooding. These events underscore Pasco’s exposure to both wind
damage and the compounding effects of rain and surge from hurricanes.
Wind impacts from hurricanes include structural damage - especially to older buildings and
manufactured homes, fallen power lines and extended outages, debris blockage of roads, and
damage to crops and vegetation. Pasco’s LMS notes that manufactured and mobile homes are
highly vulnerable to high winds and heavy rain, regardless of location. Therefore, all mobile home
residents are ordered to evacuate during hurricanes as a precaution.68
This is a significant concern in Pasco, as the county has many mobile home parks, especially
popular with retirees and seniors. High winds can peel off roofs or destroy these structures, posing
life-safety risks. Even site-built homes can sustain roof and wall damage if not built to modern
wind-resistant codes. Critical facilities such as hospitals, shelters, and emergency operations
centers in Pasco have backup generators and hardened structures. Still, schools and older public
buildings may need retrofits for higher wind standards.
Tornadoes spawned by hurricanes are another wind hazard: Tropical cyclones frequently generate
short-lived tornadoes. For example, several weak tornadoes were reported in Pasco during
Hurricane Irma’s passage. Hurricane events can combine multiple threats—extreme wind gusts,
tornadoes, torrential rain, and surge—making them especially dangerous.
Hurricane wind events are a top-priority hazard for Pasco County. They have high likelihood
(multiple storm threats occur each year) and potentially catastrophic impacts countywide. This risk
profile drives many of the County’s mitigation initiatives. Pasco County is “highly vulnerable to

67
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
68
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

49
tropical cyclones” based on local climatology and past events. Going forward, climate trends
suggest storms could become wetter and possibly more intense, reinforcing the need for
continued hurricane mitigation.

Storm Surge and Coastal Flooding

Storm surge flooding is the most severe hazard for Pasco’s coastal communities. Storm surge is the
abnormal rise of seawater generated by a storm’s winds, and on Florida’s shallow Gulf Coast, surge
can inundate miles of inland area in low-lying zones. Historically, coastal Pasco County (from
Hudson to Holiday, including the cities of New
Port Richey and Port Richey) has been
impacted by storm surge flooding associated
with tropical storms and hurricanes69. The
LMS notes that storm surge, coastal flooding,
and high winds have repeatedly a_ected New
Port Richey and Port Richey and adjacent
unincorporated areas along the Gulf. These
areas lie only a few feet above sea level and
contain dense neighborhoods, many of them
older or low-to-moderate income, making
surge a particularly dangerous threat.
Figure 30: Coastal Flooding caused by Hurricane Idalia Recent events underscore Pasco’s surge
(2023)
vulnerability. When Hurricane Idalia (August
2023) struck north Florida, it drove 4–6 feet of storm surge into parts of Pasco County70. Coastal
homes in neighborhoods like Hudson, Aripeka, and New Port Richey were flooded (four to five feet
of water), and an estimated 6,000 structures in Pasco sustained flood damage from Idalia’s surge.
Residents described water up to their thighs inside their houses. The surge arrived quickly and
receded faster than anticipated, but it still caused major property damage.

One year later, in September 2024, Hurricane Helene produced an even more devastating coastal
flood in Pasco. Helene’s storm surge overtopped Idalia’s high-water marks by several feet in some
locations, catching many residents o_ guard. Hundreds of homes across Pasco were taken over by
the Gulf of America during Helene, with water depths more than four feet higher than Idalia in
certain spots.71 Homes that had just been repaired from Idalia were inundated again; residents
reported four-foot waterlines on their walls and homes knocked o_ foundations. These back-to-
back events highlight the extreme surge risk faced by Pasco’s coast.

The impacts of storm surge are catastrophic: deep saltwater flooding can destroy homes,
businesses, vehicles, utilities, and roads. In Pasco’s coastal neighborhoods, surge floods cause
extensive mold and structural damage, render homes uninhabitable, contaminate and make
inoperable drinking water wells and septic systems, and deposit debris and hazardous materials.

69
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
70
Paul, G. (2024, September 25). “The water was up to our thighs”: Idalia’s storm surge stuns Pasco residents.
WUSF
71
Moon, E. (2024, September 28). Hurricane Helene floods thousands of Pasco homes: “Makes Idalia look
like an inconvenience.” FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

50
Infrastructure also su_ers – roads like US-19 and local streets can be submerged or washed out,
and evacuation routes become impassable at the height of surge flooding. Pasco County’s
emergency management must plan evacuations well in advance of storms because once surge
arrives, rescue access is severely limited.

Pasco’s RVA analysis quantified transportation vulnerabilities to coastal flooding. Under current
conditions, a 1% annual chance (or 100-year) coastal flood would flood about 406 lane-miles of
roads in Pasco, nearly half of which are designated evacuation routes. At least 4.5% of Pasco’s
evacuation routes and 6.2% of major roads are exposed to surge flooding in a 100-year event today.
Many of these are in low-lying coastal zones near the Gulf. This means evacuation and emergency
response are major challenges – portions of roads like US-19, Old Dixie Highway, Hudson Avenue,
Strauber Memorial Highway, Green Key Road, or Bay Boulevard could be underwater.

The RVA further found that many properties in census blocks along the US-19 corridor could
become completely isolated (surrounded by water) during a major surge, especially as sea levels
rise. In a 100-year surge event with a modest 2040 sea level rise scenario, about 4.2% of parcel-
level assets in Pasco could be isolated from emergency services – essentially cut o_ by
floodwaters. By 2070, with higher sea level rise (SLR), around 5% of assets could be isolated72. This
analysis emphasizes that beyond direct flood damage, surge threatens life safety by stranding
people and hindering emergency response.

Geographically, the most surge-prone areas are west of U.S. Highway 19 – the low-lying coastal
strip including communities such as Hudson, Gulf Harbors, Holiday, Port Richey, and New Port
Richey. Pasco County uses Evacuation Zones A, B, C, etc. (based on storm surge modeling) to plan
evacuations; these zones were determined using storm surge probabilities and expected
inundation extents. Zone A (highest risk) includes the immediate coast and river mouths – these
areas must be evacuated even for relatively lower-category storms. Further inland, elevation rises,
so central and eastern Pasco are outside of storm surge zones (their flooding issues stem from rain
and drainage or river conditions, not Gulf surge).

Mitigation for storm surge is di_icult – structural elevation or relocation is often the only way to
protect buildings, and maintaining open space in surge zones (as bu_ers and natural barriers) is
ideal. The Pasco LMS serves as the County’s Floodplain Management Plan and credits such
policies under FEMA’s Community Rating System to reduce flood insurance costs.73 Despite these
e_orts, surge remains a critical unmet mitigation need due to the sheer scale of potential damage.
CDBG-DR mitigation funds may be directed at projects like home buyouts or elevations in the worst
flood areas, hardening of critical facilities (e.g., elevating generators or other control/electrical
systems, flood-proofing sewage lift stations or treatment works) in coastal zones, and improvement
of evacuation route resilience (perhaps elevating or flood-proofing key road segments). Larger scale
and scope projects along the coast warrant mitigation such as the more significant wastewater
treatment facilities – such as the City of New Port Richey Water Reclamation Facility.

72
Resilient Pasco. (2024). Resilient Pasco Risk & Vulnerability Assessment
73
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

51
Inland Flooding (Heavy Rainfall and Riverine Flooding)
Beyond coastal surge, Pasco County experiences frequent inland flooding from heavy rainfall and
overflowing rivers/creeks. Pasco’s weather brings intense summer thunderstorms and occasionally
stalled tropical systems that can drop a foot of rain or more. Low-lying neighborhoods with poor
drainage and areas near rivers are particularly at risk. Unlike surge, which is coastal, inland flooding
can occur anywhere in the county given su_icient rainfall, often overwhelming local drainage or
stormwater infrastructure.

Notable flood events in Pasco include the June–August 2012 flooding (Tropical Storm Debby) and
the July 2015 floods. In mid-2015, summer downpours caused widespread flooding in west Pasco –
rivers like the Anclote overflowed, and communities from New Port Richey to Elfers and Trinity saw
neighborhoods completely under water. According to Pasco’s records, numerous flooding incidents
between 2014 and 2023 impacted the County. The Western Pasco coastal plain tends to have a
high-water table and slow drainage, so even four to six inches of rain can inundate streets. The
highest rainfall totals in some events have exceeded nine inches in inland Pasco – such as the
Richland area, and approximately seven inches in coastal Pasco (e.g., Port Richey), in single storms
– more than enough to flood yards and roads.

Apart from riverine flooding along the Anclote River, Pithlachascotee River, and Withlacoochee
River, Pasco also has “closed-basin” inland flooding areas. Closed-basin areas are typically
depressions or sinkhole-prone zones where water collects with no easy outlet to the ocean or a
river. Central Pasco’s landscape of lakes and sinkholes (around Land O’ Lakes, Odessa, Wesley
Chapel) include such basins. During heavy rains, these areas can experience rising lake levels that
flood homes and remain for weeks because the water only recedes via percolation or evaporation.
The Pasco LMS notes that while inland (closed-basin) flooding might not create large flowing floods,
it can still render areas uninhabitable for long durations. Conversely, riverine flooding – such as
along the Withlacoochee on the east County border- tends to have a slower onset but can cover
large agricultural and low-lying land areas. Significant river flooding has been experienced in all
parts of the County.74

Impacts of inland flooding in Pasco include water entering homes and businesses (requiring gutting
of walls and repairs), damage to roads, bridges, and culverts, erosion of stream banks, and
contamination and inoperability of wells and septic systems. Flooded roads trap residents in their
neighborhoods and impedes emergency and other services until the waters recede. Pasco County
reported numerous road closures and evacuations during the 2015 floods, with some families
needing boat evacuation from subdivisions. Floodwater can linger in flat neighborhoods; even when
only a few homes are flooded, high water can isolate many more. Repetitive flooding has been
documented in certain communities – some neighborhoods in New Port Richey and unincorporated
west Pasco have flooded multiple times in the past decade – especially following Hurricanes
Helene and Milton in 2024.75

Paul, G. (2024, October 11). Pasco County o_icials call rising rivers a ’200-year flood event’. WUSF.
74

Merlis, C. (2024, October 13). Watch: USPS Trucks underwater in New Port Richey after Hurricane Milton.
75

FOX 13 Tampa Bay.

52
To mitigate inland flooding, Pasco County invests in stormwater management projects - like
enlarging drainage canals, adding retention ponds, and maintaining pump stations. Yet funding
limitations have left drainage improvement needs in several older communities where development
occurred before modern standards. Floodplain regulation and preserving wetlands are also critical
strategies, the county’s comprehensive plan76 steers new growth away from flood prone areas.

Still, as heavy rainfall events become more intense with changing weather, inland flood risk is
expected to increase. The Resilient Pasco RVA analyzed compound flooding scenarios – such as
simultaneous surge and heavy rain and found that more properties and infrastructure will be at risk
under future conditions77. This underscores an ongoing need for flood mitigation – such as
upgrading undersized culverts, improving stormwater storage, and perhaps pursuing property
buyouts in chronically flooded spots. These priorities will inform how CDBG-DR mitigation funds
are allocated to address flooding.

Sea Level Rise

Sea level rise (SLR) is a gradual hazard that will exacerbate coastal flooding and erosion in Pasco
County over the long term. While not a hazard that causes damage on its own in a short timeframe,
rising sea levels magnify the risks of storm surge, high tide flooding, and even raise groundwater
levels inland. Pasco County’s Gulf Coast has observed rising tides consistent with global trends.
According to NOAA gauges in the Tampa Bay region, sea level has been rising on the order of one
inch per decade historically, but this rate is accelerating.

The Resilient Pasco Risk & Vulnerability Assessment (2024) evaluated future flood risks for planning
horizons 2040, 2070, and even 2100, under various sea level rise scenarios. The County followed
Florida’s Section 380.093 FS guidelines which recommend using the NOAA intermediate-low and
intermediate-high SLR projections. The statute was subsequently modified requiring the planning
horizons of 2050 and 2080, the NOAA 2022 Intermediate Low and Intermediate SLR projections, but
Pasco’s RVA remains in compliance with the projections and horizons utilized. Some key findings
from that analysis include:

• Tidal (or “sunny day”) flooding will dramatically increase. What is now an occasional
nuisance flood during king tides will become far more frequent. For instance, under an
intermediate SLR scenario, Pasco might experience on the order of 80+ tidal flooding days
per year by 2070, and possibly daily high-tide flooding (240 days/year) by 2100 under higher
scenarios. Essentially, many coastal streets and yards that today flood one or two times per
year could be underwater much more frequently in the future, weekly in some locations.
Already, low-lying spots in Pasco (like near Miller’s Bayou in Port Richey) see minor
saltwater street flooding during the highest tides; SLR will expand the frequency, footprint,
and duration of these events.
• Storm surge impacts will worsen with SLR. A given hurricane will produce deeper and
more extensive flooding in the future because the baseline sea level is higher. Areas that
might not flood today in a Category 1 storm could flood in the same storm under, say, 1–2

76
Pasco 2050 Comprehensive Plan
77
Resilient Pasco. (2024). Resilient Pasco Risk & Vulnerability Assessment

53
 feet of sea level rise. The Pasco RVA found that by 2040, even with a relatively modest SLR, a
1% annual chance surge could isolate 4.2% of assets, as mentioned earlier. By 2070, under
a higher scenario, roughly 5% of parcels would be within areas that become islands or
peninsulas in a major flood. Regarding critical infrastructure, by the 2070 high scenario,
about 8% of wastewater lift stations in Pasco could be exposed to tidal flooding (versus <1%
today), indicating rising seas could threaten utilities that are currently safe. On a positive
note, the RVA found relatively few emergency facilities would flood even with SLR (only
approximately 1% by 2070 scenario), likely because many critical facilities are built on
higher ground – but neighborhood-scale impacts will still be significant.
• Coastal erosion and habitat loss are indirect epects of SLR. As the Gulf encroaches,
shoreline erosion may accelerate along Pasco’s coast - which is a mix of estuarine
wetlands, beaches, and seawalls. Protective natural barriers like salt marshes and barrier
islands could degrade or shift, removing natural storm protection. Additionally, rising
saltwater can penetrate upstream into the Anclote and Pithlachascotee Rivers, a_ecting
freshwater ecosystems and potentially rising groundwater levels, which can increase inland
flooding and even exacerbate sinkhole activity as groundwater dynamics change.
Sea level rise is a serious future hazard multiplier for Pasco County. While the direct epects
are gradual, the County is looking ahead now. Adaptation and mitigation measures – such as
protecting and restoring coastal wetlands (living shorelines), elevating structures/infrastructure,
updating flood maps and building codes to account for future conditions, and planning for potential
relocation of at-risk assets – are being considered. CDBG-DR mitigation funds can support some
SLR resilience projects, for example, funding a tidal flooding relief project or helping acquire
conservation lands in coastal floodplain to bu_er communities. Pasco’s membership in the Tampa
Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition and our own Resilience Plan e_ort (Phase 4 of Resilient Pasco)
will guide policy responses to SLR in concert with this Action Plan.

Tornadoes and Severe Thunderstorms

Pasco County is also at risk from tornadoes, which can occur during hurricanes or as
independently severe weather events - especially in spring and summer thunderstorms. Florida’s
peninsula experiences a moderate number of tornadoes annually, typically weaker (EF0–EF1)
tornadoes, but occasionally stronger ones. Pasco’s LMS documents that the County experienced
21 tornadoes from 2003 through 202378. These include tornadoes spawned by landfalling
hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 and those from frontal systems. For example, in November 2018, a
severe squall line o_ the Gulf produced at least three tornadoes in Pasco County, causing over
$600,000 in damage across di_erent locations. This demonstrates that multi-tornado outbreaks,
while not common, happen and can impact several communities in one event.

Most tornadoes in Pasco have been on the lower end of the Enhanced Fujita scale. Many cause
limited damage (including roof shingles torn, carports crumpled, and trees uprooted). However,
even an EF1 tornado with winds of approximately 100 mph can destroy mobile homes or weak
structures. Tornado risk is countywide – there is no specific “tornado alley” in Pasco, as tornadoes
can form wherever thunderstorms form. Some studies note that coastal counties can get

78
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

54
waterspouts coming ashore as tornadoes. With its warm Gulf waters, Pasco's coastline does see
waterspouts; if one moves onshore, it is counted as a tornado (often brief but potentially damaging
in a small area).

In addition to tornadoes, severe thunderstorms bring hazards like lightning, hail, and downburst
winds. Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes, and Pasco has had tragic lightning incidents.
Lightning can cause wildfires, strike individuals outdoors, and damage electronic equipment. Hail
up to golf-ball size (about 1.75 inches in diameter) has been reported in Pasco, occasionally
causing property or crop damage. Hail damage in Wesley Chapel in March 2003 reached $50,00079.
Straight-line winds from severe storms can down trees and power lines, similar to a weak tornado.
A severe thunderstorm in spring can gust 60–70 mph, enough to peel o_ roofs or knock out power in
pockets.

The impacts of tornadoes and severe storms tend to be localized but can be severe for those
a_ected. One neighborhood can be torn apart while another a mile away is untouched. In Pasco, a
notable tornado event occurred in 1992 when an F3 tornado (on the old Fujita scale) struck East
Pasco—it caused significant destruction to homes and, unfortunately, some fatalities. More
commonly, downbursts have hit areas like Trinity and Zephyrhills, causing costly damage to a few
structures.

Mitigating tornado and storm damage is challenging as well – the primary approach is building
codes requiring wind-resistant construction, which also helps in the event of tornadoes, and public
warning systems so people can seek shelter. Pasco’s outdoor warning sirens and NOAA weather
radio alerts are part of preparedness. Also, ensuring that critical facilities, such as schools that
serve as storm shelters, can withstand tornado winds is essential. While we cannot prevent
tornadoes, the hazard is accounted for in the County’s risk planning. It reinforces the need to
harden structures, especially given Pasco’s vulnerable housing stock – like older homes and mobile
homes. The LMS risk assessment likely rates tornado probability as moderate and vulnerability as
moderate due to the scattered nature of development. Though not the highest priority hazard, they
remain a concern that can cause loss of life and property if not addressed.

Drought
Drought in Pasco County is typically a medium-term hazard characterized by below-normal rainfall
over an extended period, leading to dry conditions. Florida’s climate includes wet summers and
drier winters; however, multi-month or multi-year droughts do occur, often influenced by climate
patterns like La Niña. In Pasco, drought does not usually cause direct property damage like a storm
would, but it has significant secondary impacts:

• Wildfire Risk Increases: Dry vegetation becomes fuel for wildfires (drought conditions set
the stage for the intense 1998 wildfires in Florida, for example). Pasco County often
implements burn bans during droughts due to heightened fire danger80.

Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
79

NatureCoaster, F. O. (2024, December 26). Pasco County wildfire and smoke conditions update -
80

NatureCoaster.com.

55
 • Water Supply Stress: Pasco is part of the Tampa Bay Water regional water supply system.
During drought, aquifer levels drop, spring flows diminish, and the County may face water
use restrictions. As noted, in severe droughts, regional authorities impose one-day-per-
week lawn watering81, and residents might be asked to conserve water. Pasco’s agriculture
(though not as large as some counties) can su_er from a lack of irrigation water or rainfall.

• Environmental and Economic Impacts: Crops and livestock can be a_ected (Pasco has
nurseries, citrus groves, and pastureland). A drought in 2007 reduced central Florida’s
citrus output; similarly, during a late 2000s drought, Florida’s citrus crop was 6% below
normal and caused $100 million in losses82 – which likely reflected impacts in Pasco’s
groves. Drought also can lead to soil subsidence and sinkholes: underground support for
limestone and overlying soils can weaken as groundwater levels drop, sometimes triggering
sinkhole collapses. There is additional sinkhole formation susceptibility when subsequent
rains saturate surface soils following extended drought. This also highlights how drought
and sinkholes are indirectly connected hazards.

Pasco County has experienced notable drought periods, such as 2006–2008 and 2016–2017.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Pasco sometimes reaches “Severe Drought (D2)” levels,
meaning likely crop losses and water shortages83In 2017, much of Pasco was in extreme fire danger
due to drought, prompting emergency brush firefighting and public warnings. Another e_ect of
drought is on wetlands and lakes—water bodies shrink, a_ecting wildlife and potentially recreation
and tourism, including low river levels for kayaking.

While drought impacts on the built environment are less dramatic, mitigation e_orts include water
conservation programs, developing alternative water supplies, like reclaimed water for irrigation to
reduce groundwater withdrawals, and public education. Pasco County’s Extension Service and
Utilities Department work on drought preparedness by encouraging drought-tolerant landscaping
and e_icient irrigation (Pasco County enforces watering schedules). Additionally, emergency
managers coordinate with agriculture agencies and the Florida Forest Service on wildfire readiness
when droughts occur.

In the context of this Action Plan, drought ties into mitigation needs through its connections to
wildfire and water infrastructure. Ensuring the County has resilient water infrastructure – such as
su_icient storage and interconnections to move water during drought- and reducing wildfire fuel
through mitigation, like prescribed burns when conditions are safe, are both ways to address
drought risk. Changing weather projections suggest that longer dry spells could occur, so planning
for drought resiliency – including drought-resistant landscaping codes and backup water supplies-
is part of Pasco County’s holistic mitigation strategy.

81
Pinos, G. (2024, February 27). Lawn-watering restrictions are extended across Tampa Bay amid a water
shortage. WUSF.
82
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
83
The Advertiser: Pasco County Drought Monitor. Updated April 3, 2025.

56
Wildfire Risk
Pasco County contains extensive natural and semi-rural lands prone to wildfires, especially in dry
seasons. The County’s rapid development has led to many wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas –
neighborhoods or subdivisions adjacent to forests, prairies, or other wildlands. For example, the
communities bordering Starkey Wilderness Park or the Cypress Creek Preserve). In these
interfaces, periodic fires in the natural lands can threaten homes and businesses.

Historically, wildfire has been a notable hazard in Pasco, though less frequent than in some inland
Florida counties. The LMS notes that wildfires have most frequently occurred near large wildland
areas such as Starkey Park, around the Suncoast Parkway and I-75 corridor, and other WUI
communities like those near Cypress Creek and Land O’ Lakes.84 These areas have a combination
of forests and increasing residential development. Lightning strikes and human causes, either
accidental or arson, are common ignition sources. During the severe statewide drought of spring
1998, Pasco saw multiple fires; that year's most devastating Florida wildfire burned about 173,000
acres (though that fire complex was primarily north of Pasco County). This highlights the potential
scale of impact to the County during extreme conditions.

In recent years, Pasco has had wildfire incidents requiring evacuations on a smaller scale. For
example, brush fires during a drought in the Trinity/New Port Richey area in 2017 came close to
homes, and a large fire in Starkey Park in 2020 burned several hundred acres, blanketing
surrounding neighborhoods in smoke and prompting temporary road closures. Smoke from
wildfires is itself a hazard, reducing air quality and visibility. Pasco, like many Florida counties,
issues air quality alerts when nearby wildfires produce significant smoke, as happened when a
4,000-acre prescribed burn in East Pasco caused days of haze in 2021.85

The impact of wildfires includes destruction of structures - if fires encroach on developed areas,
loss of timber or agricultural resources, and ecological damage. Fortunately, Pasco has not seen a
recent wildfire that destroyed many homes. Still, it remains a risk – especially with many houses
built along wooded greenbelts that could serve as fire corridors if not managed. Wildfires can also
damage power lines, and in remote areas, fire can degrade road surfaces or wooden bridges.
Economic costs include firefighting expenses and potential hits to property values in fire-prone
areas.

Pasco County’s mitigation e_orts for wildfire involve a combination of prevention, fuel
management, and public awareness. The LMS doubles as the County’s Community Wildfire
Protection Plan, developed in partnership with the Florida Forest Service. This means Pasco
identifies areas of wildfire concern and strategies like creating defensible space around structures,
promoting fire-resistant landscaping, and conducting controlled burns to reduce excessive
vegetation fuel. Starkey Park and Cypress Creek Preserve have active prescribed burn programs to
lower wildfire intensity risk. Pasco Fire Rescue also engages in community outreach in WUI
neighborhoods about clearing brush and having evacuation plans.

Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
84

ALERT: Southwest Florida water management is conducting a 4000 acre prescribed fire causing dense
85

smoke in the eastern and central areas of Pasco County

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For mitigation funding, FEMA Hazard Mitigation grants have sometimes been used in Florida for
projects like creating fire breaks or hardening water systems for firefighting. However, these sources
are limited and often prioritize flood or wind projects. So, part of Pasco’s mitigation needs includes
ensuring that wildfire risk is not overlooked. CDBG-DR mitigation funds could be used to fill gaps by
supporting activities like vegetation management in high-risk interface areas or improving rural
water supply for firefighting, such as installing dry hydrants in remote communities. Given that
wildfire risk might grow with projected hotter, drier periods, maintaining a focus on wildfire
mitigation is vital for Pasco’s overall resilience.

Extreme Heat
In recent years, extreme heat has emerged as a growing hazard in Pasco County, as in much of
Florida. While Florida is known for heat and humidity, historically, the concern in emergency
management was more about hurricanes and floods. However, heat-related health risks are
increasing with rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves. Extreme heat is defined by
periods of very high temperatures - often combined with high humidity - that can cause heat stress
or heat stroke in people, especially vulnerable groups.

Pasco’s climate already features hot summers – average high temperatures in July/August are
around 90°F, with high humidity pushing heat index values well above 100°F on many days. Heat
advisories - issued by the National Weather Service when the heat index is forecast to exceed 108°F
for a certain period, have become more common. It’s noted in the Resilient Pasco project that
inland Pasco experiences more frequent high-heat conditions than on the immediate coast.86 For
example, areas like Dade City and Zephyrhills, further from the Gulf breeze, often record higher
afternoon temperatures and more days meeting heat advisory criteria than New Port Richey or
Hudson on the coast. The di_erence can be several degrees, meaning inland residents endure
more intense heat.

The impacts of extreme heat are primarily on human health and quality of life. The most vulnerable
populations are the elderly, young children, outdoor laborers, and those with pre-existing health
conditions. Pasco County has a large senior population, some of whom may not have adequate air
conditioning or might live alone with limited social support. During heat waves, these individuals
are at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. The County’s human services and health
departments carefully monitor and provide cooling centers or outreach during extreme heat events.
Another impact is on infrastructure and utilities: High heat increases electricity demand due to air
conditioning, which can strain the power grid and lead to higher utility costs for residents. Road
materials and rails can also buckle under prolonged extreme heat – though this is more an issue in
climates with greater temperature swings.

The Resilient Pasco RVA included extreme heat as a focal hazard. Key findings include projections
such as a significant rise in days above 95°F or nights above 75°F by mid-century. While exact
figures were not cited here, generally, our region could see double or triple the number of very hot
days by the 2040s-2050s. This trend will increase heat stress unless mitigated by expanding tree
canopy for shade, cooling infrastructure, and ensuring all residents have access to cooled spaces.

86
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

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Mitigation for extreme heat is somewhat di_erent from other hazards – it overlaps with public health
and adaptive measures. Strategies include creating more cooling centers (air-conditioned public
spaces) for heat emergencies, urban greening - like planting trees, cool roofs, and heat-reflective
pavements to reduce the urban heat island e_ect, and programs to assist low-income households
with home weatherization and e_icient AC systems. Pasco County’s long-term resilience planning
considers heat in its Resilience and Sustainability Plan. Additionally, coordination with regional
partners - since heat waves typically a_ect the whole Tampa Bay region- is essential for early
warning and response.

In the context of CDBG-DR mitigation funding, extreme heat adaptation projects could be eligible if
tied to recovery from a disaster (for example, integrating resilience when rebuilding housing by
adding better insulation or shade, or including multiuse space in resilience hub facilities). While
heat may not be the direct cause of a disaster declaration, it is a hazard that compounds other risks
(drought, health crises) and is, therefore, part of the County’s comprehensive mitigation approach.

Sinkholes (Land Subsidence)

Pasco County is in the heart of Florida’s “Sinkhole Alley,” and sinkhole formation is an ever-present
hazard for the county. Sinkholes are a form of land subsidence that occurs when acidic
groundwater dissolves underlying limestone bedrock, creating voids that can collapse, taking soil
and structures down with them. Pasco’s geology – founded on carbonate rock and with sandy soils
– is highly favorable for sinkhole activity. They can be triggered by heavy rain events, drought
followed by rain, or even man-made activities like well drilling or heavy groundwater drawdown.

Pasco sees numerous small sinkholes annually; many go

unreported unless they cause damage. They range from
minor depressions in yards to large collapses that can
swallow sections of homes. A dramatic example occurred in
2017: after Hurricane Irma’s soaking rains, over 400 sinkhole
reports were filed in Pasco County87, indicating how
widespread the phenomenon became following the storm. In
one high-profile incident (July 2017, Land O’ Lakes), a
massive sinkhole destroyed two homes and forced the
evacuation of several others, drawing national attention. That
sinkhole was over 200 feet wide and 50 feet deep. Other
incidents have a_ected roads – like a sinkhole on Curley
Road in San Antonio that opened after heavy rains,
necessitating road closure and repairs (Figure 31).88 Figure 31: Curley Road damage after Hurricane Milton

The impacts of sinkholes can be severe on a site-specific level, causing the collapse of one’s
property, foundation cracking, and destabilization of roads or utilities. They pose safety risks,
though fortunately, injuries are rare as the collapses usually happen slowly enough that people can

87
Curts, D. P. a. M. S. (2021, July 26). Damaging sinkholes. ArcGIS StoryMaps.
88
ROAD DESTROYED: Curley Road in Pasco County was left in pieces after Hurricane Milton tore through
Florida

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evacuate. Infrastructure like pipelines or sewer lines can break when the ground shifts. Even if a
sinkhole doesn’t entirely collapse, sinkhole activity (subsurface voids causing building settlement)
can render structures condemned and uninsurable. Pasco has one of the highest rates of sinkhole
insurance claims in Florida, reflecting the frequency of the issue.

Mitigating sinkholes is tricky – it’s mainly about avoidance and preparedness. Through its
comprehensive plan and land development code, Pasco County has standards for geotechnical
evaluation in high-risk areas, including that developers may need to do soil borings to check for
cavities before projects can begin. Public education is also vital: the County shares information on
how to spot warning signs of sinkholes - such as cracks in walls, stuck doors, and ground
depressions.89 When a sinkhole does occur, the response often involves filling it with gravel and/or
concrete grout to stabilize it, which can be very costly to private owners.

While we cannot necessarily prevent natural sinkholes, managing water resources helps—abrupt
aquifer drawdowns are avoided, and stormwater is managed to not pond excessively in one spot.
Pasco’s participation in regional water supply means local wells are managed to reduce sinkhole
triggers. One example is Tampa Bay Water, which has rules to mitigate sudden over-pumping that,
in the past, caused sinkholes.

Regarding funding needs, FEMA will often not directly pay for sinkhole damages (unless triggered by
a disaster event’s conditions), and private insurance in Florida covers sinkhole damage only if it
meets certain criteria. This leaves some homeowners with an unmet need when a sinkhole strikes
unexpectedly. Pasco County may consider using some mitigation funds to acquire and demolish
properties repeatedly a_ected by sinkholes, treating them like a buyout in a floodplain, if the area is
clearly hazard-prone. Infrastructure mapping is useful – identifying areas where a sinkhole could
break a crucial utility line and adding redundancies.

The Pasco LMS includes sinkhole hazards in its vulnerability analysis. While it’s impossible to map
every potential sinkhole, it acknowledges that virtually every part of Pasco is susceptible. According
to our LMS, “sinkholes have occurred in almost every county in Florida,” and Pasco is among the
most prone. As development continues, continued attention to geotechnical safety is a mitigation
priority.

Other Hazards (Technological and Human-Caused)

While this assessment focuses on natural hazards, it should be noted that Pasco County also plans
for certain technological or human-caused hazards in its LMS – such as hazardous materials
incidents, industrial accidents, and extreme cold weather. For instance, the presence of major
highways (I-75, Suncoast Parkway, US-41) and a railroad means hazardous material spills are a
consideration; the LMS indicates higher vulnerability to industrial chemical incidents in areas like
Dade City, New Port Richey, Port Richey, and along transport corridors.90 Additionally, while rare,
freezes have historically impacted Pasco’s agriculture. Citrus freezes in the 1980s devastated
crops. Extreme cold events – specifically, hard freezes - are infrequent but can harm vulnerable

89
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
90
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

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residents without heating. These hazards are generally addressed through separate safety
regulations and emergency response plans.

Natural hazards remain the primary focus of this assessment. However, Pasco’s LMS's multi-hazard
approach ensures that strategies are in place for a broad range of potential emergencies.

Geographic and Community-Specific Vulnerabilities

Each area of Pasco County – its six municipalities and diverse unincorporated communities –
experiences the above hazards uniquely. Local geography and development patterns influence how
severely a given hazard will impact a community. Below, we highlight how each city and key
unincorporated area in Pasco is a_ected by major risks:

• City of New Port Richey (NPR): A coastal city on the Pithlachascotee River, New Port Richey is
highly vulnerable to flooding and storm surge. Its historic downtown and residential areas along
the river and bayous have seen repeated floods. NPR was impacted by Hurricane Idalia’s surge
flooding in 2023 and even more by Hurricane Helene in 2024 – where many neighborhoods were
inundated91. Wind damage from hurricanes is also a concern, and some older homes may not
be built to current wind codes. New Port Richey’s population (about 17,270 residents) includes
many low-to-moderate-income residents, so disaster impacts hit the community hard.
Mitigation needs here center on flood control projects, property elevations, and stormwater
system upgrades, as well as fortifying critical facilities like the Water Reclamation (wastewater)
Facility, local hospital, which lies just outside the floodplain.

• City of Port Richey: Adjacent to New Port Richey on the coast, Port Richey is even smaller
(about 3,250 residents) but similarly exposed to coastal hazards. It borders Miller’s Bayou and
the Gulf, making storm surge a primary threat – much of the city is in Evacuation Zone A.
Historical surge and oil spill events have impacted Port Richey’s waterfront92. The city has a mix
of older homes and new builds; ensuring new development meets elevation requirements is
key. Aside from surges and tropical storm winds, Port Richey also faces frequent “sunny day”
high tide flooding in low areas, which will worsen with the rise of sea levels. Mitigation for Port
Richey includes improving drainage, replacing its flood-prone Fire Station, reinforcing seawalls,
and potentially creating living shorelines to bu_er surge. The city coordinates closely with Pasco
County on LMS projects due to its limited sta_ and budget.

• Dade City: Dade City (population of about 9,380 residents) is in northeast Pasco, on higher
elevation with hilly terrain, roughly 100 feet above sea level in some spots. It is less exposed to
flooding – in fact, Dade City often serves as an inland shelter hub during hurricanes for
evacuees from coastal areas. However, the city has some creeks that can flood low-lying spots
during heavy rain. Dade City’s biggest hazard concerns are wind events (hurricanes/tornadoes)
and extreme heat. Being inland, it receives strong winds from landfalling hurricanes. Dade City

91
Moon, E. (2024, September 28). Hurricane Helene floods thousands of Pasco homes: “Makes Idalia look
like an inconvenience.” FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
92
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

61
 saw Category 1-force winds during Irma 2017. The region around Dade City also experienced an
EF0 tornado in 200393. Dade City’s large mobile home communities on its outskirts are
vulnerable to wind and require evacuation in hurricanes. Additionally, as an inland community,
it endures more extreme heat days94 – an essential consideration given its sizable elderly
population. Sinkhole risk is moderate; there have been incidents in surrounding rural areas.
Mitigation needs for Dade City include hardening critical infrastructure (power, water,
wastewater—the wastewater treatment plant, in particular, has been cited as a critical need)
against storms, ensuring adequate shelters, and possibly expanding tree canopy in urban areas
to mitigate heat.

• City of Zephyrhills: Located in southeast Pasco, Zephyrhills is another inland city known for its
wells and springs. Zephyrhills bottled water comes from this area. Like Dade City, flood risk is
relatively low, with few FEMA flood zones within the city proper. Still, heavy localized rain can
cause street flooding. The city’s concerns revolve around hurricane winds, tornadoes, and heat.
Zephyrhills’ population (about 19,670 residents) includes many retirees (seasonal RV parks,
mobile home parks), vulnerable to wind and requiring robust evacuation planning. In 2004, the
area was a_ected by the fringes of the hurricanes that crossed Florida, and more recently,
severe thunderstorms have caused wind damage. Extreme heat is also a growing issue here,
with inland location meaning less cooling from Gulf breezes. Zephyrhills also has a general
aviation airport that storms could impact (e.g., small planes damaged in high winds). For
mitigation, drainage improvements and flood prevention – including the Zephyr Creek Project - a
partner project with Pasco County Public Works, public education on tornado safety,
strengthening community centers to serve as cooling centers, and ensuring backup power for
critical wells for water supply are priorities.

• City of San Antonio & Town St. Leo: These are two small, incorporated communities in central-
east Pasco. San Antonio (population of approximately 1,400 residents) and the Town of St. Leo
(population of approximately 2,280 residents) are adjacent to each other, situated near Lake
Jovita and Saint Leo University. Both sit at relatively high elevation; St. Leo is one of the highest
points in Pasco. As such, flooding is not a major threat directly - they are mostly outside
floodplains. However, during heavy rains, local drainage issues can occur, and Lake Jovita’s
level can rise. Hurricane winds and tornadoes are the primary concerns – these towns are in
open terrain where wind can be strong, and numerous large old trees could fall in storms. A
notable recent impact was Hurricane Milton, which damaged roads. As noted earlier, Curley
Road near San Antonio cracked from erosion or subsidence during that storm. Also, being in
“sinkhole alley,” the San Antonio/St. Leo area has had sinkhole occurrences; for example, a
portion of a local road or field might suddenly settle. Mitigation needs here are often addressed
county-wide, but could include reinforcing roadways, trimming trees near powerlines, and

93
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.
94
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

62
 partnering with St. Leo University on joint resilience initiatives. For example, the campus could
double as a shelter or cooling center, etc., during future events.

Unincorporated Pasco is home to over 579,770 residents. This assessment breaks unincorporated
Pasco into sections for a better assessment of needs – given that it spans the entire county, and
each area has unique challenges and needs.

• Unincorporated Coastal Communities: Including locations such as Hudson, Holiday, and

Aripeka, a significant portion of Pasco’s population lives in unincorporated areas, and along the
Gulf Coast are several communities at extreme risk of storm surge and coastal flooding. Areas
such as Hudson, Aripeka, Holiday, Elfers, and Gulf Harbors essentially extend the coastal
floodplain outside city limits. These communities have repeatedly flooded (Hudson and Aripeka
saw severe surge flooding in both Idalia and Helene; Holiday and Elfers regularly flood from
Anclote River and coastal backwater). Many homes are older single-story houses at ground
level, highly susceptible to even minor surge. Evacuation Zone A covers most of these locales,
indicating the highest risk. These areas also tend to have concentrations of low-income and
elderly residents. For instance, Holiday has many senior mobile home parks. In addition to
surge, saltwater intrusion and sea level rise are concerns for their long-term habitability.
Mitigation for unincorporated coastal Pasco involves large-scale projects: home buyout
programs, elevating homes and roads, improving coastal wetlands (which bu_er surge), and
maintaining updated evacuation plans. For example, Pasco County has undertaken some
buyouts along repeatedly flooded stretches of the Anclote River in Elfers, but more funding is
needed to expand these e_orts. Infrastructure hardening - like raising the coastal road in
Hudson or installing tide-flex valves in storm drains to prevent backflow- are possible projects
that CDBG-DR funds could support.

• Unincorporated Inland Communities: Including places like Land O’ Lakes, Wesley Chapel,
and Trinity, central Pasco has large unincorporated suburban areas that have grown rapidly.
These communities face multi-faceted risks: some neighborhoods in Land O’ Lakes are famous
for sinkholes (a massive sinkhole formed in 2017 in this area, destroying homes), and also
brush fires (the 2017 Land O’ Lakes sinkhole incident occurred during a time of drought and
nearby brush fires). Wesley Chapel and Trinity have many new developments with extensive
stormwater retention ponds; while this helps manage typical rains, extreme rainfall could still
cause localized flooding if ponds overflow. These areas are also not immune to wind damage –
Hurricane Irma knocked out power and toppled trees throughout central Pasco. One of Pasco’s
recorded tornadoes (an F1) hit Land O’ Lakes in 2005, causing $80K in damage95 Wildfire risk
touches Wesley Chapel on its eastern fringe where it meets the Cypress Creek Preserve, and
Trinity borders the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness to the north – both areas identified for frequent
wildfire occurrence. Lastly, extreme heat in these dense suburban areas can be exacerbated
due to the urban heat island e_ect – such as asphalt and fewer mature trees in new
subdivisions. Mitigation needs for these booming unincorporated areas include ensuring new

95
Pasco County Department of Emergency Management. (2024). Pasco County Local Mitigation Strategy.

63
 construction is hazard-resilient - enforcing wind codes, floodplain rules, and sinkhole soil
testing; expanding community wildfire protection - like creating bu_ers between preserves and
homes; and continuing aggressive stormwater planning to handle both current and future
rainfall extremes. Public outreach is also needed as many new residents may be less aware of
Florida-specific hazards like sinkholes or lightning – education can improve preparedness at the
household level.

• Rural Unincorporated Areas: These include unincorporated areas toward the Green Swamp
and along county borders. Pasco’s far northeastern areas (east of Dade City) and southeastern
corner (east of Zephyrhills) remain rural, with pasture, agriculture, and state forests, such as the
Green Swamp area. These areas have smaller populations but can be significantly impacted by
wildfires, freezes, and drought. For example, ranchers in the northeast county may struggle with
water and feed for cattle during drought. Flooding can occur along the Withlacoochee River on
the east border – the river can rise slowly and inundate large tracts of farmland and a few
riverside homes when heavy rains are upstream. San Antonio Lake and other natural lakes can
flood some low farmland, too. These rural areas also have limited infrastructure redundancy – a
single road or power line outage from a storm can isolate residents. Here, mitigation might
focus on improving redundant communications – like radio towers, bridging low-water
crossings, and supporting agricultural stakeholders with resilience techniques – including
drought-resistant crops or improving field drainage.

Pasco County’s hazard vulnerabilities vary geographically, but no area is entirely risk-free. Coastal
municipalities and communities bear the brunt of surge and coastal floods; inland cities face wind,
heat, and isolated flood issues; central booming areas contend with a mix including sinkholes and
wildfire; and rural outskirts must handle extremes of Florida’s climate in relative isolation. This wide
range of vulnerabilities underscores the need for a tailored, community-specific approach to
mitigation – one that Pasco County’s CDBG-DR Action Plan will implement by funding projects that
are needed most based on this risk assessment.

Mitigation Strategy Informed by Risk Assessment

This hazard risk assessment directly informs how Pasco County will invest CDBG-DR mitigation
funding. The goal is to target resources toward the most significant risks and the most vulnerable
communities identified above, aligned with the data and priorities from the LMS and RVA. The
following key considerations inform our assessment’s mitigation strategy:

• Prioritizing Flood and Wind Mitigation Projects: Given that flooding and hurricane winds are
identified as the highest risks, a large share of mitigation funds will be devoted to these hazards.
For example, the County may allocate CDBG-DR funds to elevate frequently-flooded homes in
New Port Richey, Port Richey, and coastal unincorporated areas – directly reducing future surge
and flood damages. Similarly, funding may support hardening critical facilities and
infrastructure against wind – such as reinforcing shelter roofs, adding hurricane shutters to
schools/community centers, or burying power lines in key corridors. By addressing these top

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 hazards, Pasco will ensure the use of funds that target the areas of greatest impact, as
evidenced by this risk analysis.

• Integrating Future Conditions: Because the RVA provided forward-looking scenarios (2040,
2070), Pasco’s strategy is not just reacting to past events but proactively preparing for future
risks. For example, sea level rise projections inform decisions like where to rebuild versus
retreat. CDBG-DR mitigation funds might be used for projects with long lifespans that account
for future changes – such as constructing a new stormwater pump station with the capacity for
higher sea levels or elevating a road that is predicted to flood frequently by 2070. By doing so,
the County ensures that today’s investments remain e_ective decades later, embodying the
principle of building back smarter and stronger. This approach is supported by data like road
inundation statistics from the RVA; we know which evacuation routes will need elevation or
armoring as seas rise.

• Multi-Hazard Mitigation Approach: While specific projects often target a primary hazard,
Pasco is looking for co-benefits across hazards. For instance, green infrastructure - like
restoring a wetland or creating a detention basin- can reduce flood risk and provide water for
aquifer recharge during drought or as a firebreak for wildfires. The strategy will encourage such
multi-benefit solutions. Another example is undergrounding power lines in a vulnerable grid
area, which reduces wind damage outages but also helps in wildfire prevention because there
are no lines to spark fires and improves reliability during heat waves. By leveraging projects to
tackle multiple issues, the County can stretch the mitigation dollars and address the
interconnected nature of risks.

• Public Education and Preparedness as Mitigation: Although structural projects are key,
Pasco’s strategy also values community resilience programs. Some CDBG-DR mitigation funds
could support public outreach or planning e_orts that arise from this needs assessment. For
example, suppose extreme heat is a growing risk. In that case, the county might fund the
development of a comprehensive heat response plan or expand its cooling center network,
which would be relatively low-cost interventions that could save lives. If sinkhole awareness is
crucial, perhaps some funds could enhance the County’s sinkhole mapping and education
campaign. These mitigation actions complement physical projects and ensure that residents
are empowered to mitigate and prepare on a personal level.

This mitigation needs assessment serves as a blueprint for our Action Plan. Pasco County will use a
combination of structural investments – such as infrastructure, housing retrofits, nature-based
solutions, and non-structural measures – including policy changes, education, and improved codes
that address the identified hazards. The result will be a suite of CDBG-DR funded mitigation
activities that directly respond to the vulnerabilities detailed in our Plan – whether it’s lifting homes
out of flood harm’s way, reinforcing a community center to double as a hurricane shelter, or
planting trees to combat the heat island e_ect in a city center.

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By following the risk priorities, the County ensures that mitigation funding is used e_ectively and
transparently to reduce disaster risk, consistent with HUD’s objectives and Pasco County’s
strategic vision.

Mitigation Funding Sources and Gaps

While CDBG-DR funds provide a critical infusion for mitigation, Pasco County’s needs far outstrip
any single funding source. It is important to identify other funding sources available for mitigation,
and where they are insu_icient, to justify using CDBG-DR dollars for unmet needs. The County has
been actively leveraging various federal, state, and local programs for hazard mitigation, including:

• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP): After each presidentially declared
disaster, HMGP provides funding for mitigation projects. Through its LMS Working Group,
Pasco County prepares HMGP applications whenever eligible. For example, following
Hurricane Irma in 2017 and Hurricane Idalia in 2023, Pasco submitted drainage
improvements and generator installation projects. However, HMGP funds are limited and
competitive – they must be split among many counties or statewide. Pasco’s LMS contains
dozens of proposed projects totaling far more than HMGP allocations can cover. Many high-
priority projects remain unfunded or only partially funded.

o Gap: HMGP helps, but not all approved LMS projects receive funding due to cap
limits; timelines are slow, and smaller-scale needs - like minor localized fixes or
planning e_orts - often don’t get funded.

• FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA): FMA provides annual funding specifically to
mitigate National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) insured properties (e.g., repetitive loss
homes). Pasco has numerous repetitive loss properties, especially in the West Pasco
coastal and Anclote River areas. The County has helped homeowners apply for FMA funds
to elevate or buy out homes. However, FMA funding is relatively small, and only a handful of
properties can be addressed each cycle. For example, if Pasco has 100 repetitive loss
homes, an FMA grant might only elevate 5–10 of them.

o Gap: There continues to be a large backlog of flood-prone homes that have not been
mitigated. Many homeowners can’t a_ord the non-federal match or to wait years for
a grant, so they remain vulnerable. CDBG-DR could supplement this by funding
additional buyouts or elevation grants without those constraints.

• State-Administered HUD CDBG-Mitigation (CDBG-MIT): Prior to this CDBG-DR allocation,

Pasco benefited from the state of Florida’s CDBG-MIT program, specifically funds from
2016-2017 disasters. A CDBG-MIT grant from the Florida Department of Commerce funded
the Resilient Pasco Project (vulnerability assessment and upcoming resilience plan). That
grant, approximately $1.5 million, covered planning and studies - but not physical projects.
It underscores that Pasco is leveraging outside resources to plan e_ectively.

o Gap: Implementation funds for projects were not part of that planning grant, so now
that RVA has identified needs (like road elevations and stormwater upgrades), Pasco

66
 needs capital funding to execute them. The new HUD CDBG-DR funds can fill that
implementation gap for projects identified through Resilient Pasco.

• State of Florida Resilient Florida and Other Programs: Florida launched the Resilient
Florida program in 2021, providing grants for vulnerability assessments and adaptation
projects focusing on flooding and sea level rise. Pasco County has participated and will be
eligible to submit projects to the state for funding. Additionally, the state Division of
Emergency Management o_ers programs like the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FEMA FMA,
mentioned above) and Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program (HLMP). Pasco has received
small grants from HLMP in the past, providing free hurricane shutters or wind retrofits to
low-income homes.

o Gap: State funds, while growing, are still not enough for large infrastructure – they
might fund a $300k planning or $500k culvert project, but multi-million dollar needs
– such as a $10 million regional stormwater facility- require federal dollars. Also,
these programs often require local matching funds, which can be challenging for a
county with many competing budget needs.

• Local County/Municipal Funding: Pasco County and its cities invest in mitigation to the
extent budgets allow. The County has a Municipal Service Fund for stormwater that
addresses drainage maintenance and minor improvements. The County and cities also
invest in emergency services - like improving fire stations to withstand hurricanes. However,
local resources are limited. Pasco is a growing county with many infrastructure demands
(roads, schools, utilities for new development), and dedicated funding for mitigation
projects often lacks outside of post-disaster repairs. For instance, a city like Port Richey has
very limited revenue and cannot a_ord a multimillion-dollar seawall improvement without
external help.

o Gap: There is a funding gap between what local governments can a_ord and the
cost of major mitigation projects. Many projects sit on wish lists until grants are
found.

Figure 31 below illustrates some of the key funding programs versus the needs:

Figure 27: Mitigation Funding Sources Versus Needs in Pasco County

Funding
Purpose Use in Pasco Gaps/Limitations
Source
Used for shelter
Funds projects after Not enough for all LMS projects;
generators and drainage
FEMA HMGP disasters (15% of relief must wait for disasters to occur;
fixes after recent
funds) competitive statewide.
hurricanes.

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 Dozens of RL/SRL homes
Elevation or buyout of NFIP- Only a handful of homes mitigated
were identified; a few
FEMA FMA insured homes provided per cycle; most flood-prone homes
were elevated with
through grants are still at risk.
FMA.
HUD CDBG- Planning was funded but not
One-time mitigation funds Funded Pasco’s Resilient
MIT (state construction; the state’s share to
via state. Pasco assessment.
program) Pasco was small relative to needs.
Received grants for Project funding is not guaranteed
State Resilient State grants for resilience
assessment (RVA) and annually, is typically small-scale, and
Florida & (planning & projects) and
minor home wind requires local match & application
HLMP96 wind mitigation.
retrofits. effort.
Ongoing stormwater Cannot fund large new projects
Local Capital County/city budgets for maintenance, without external aid; competing
Improvement infrastructure. incremental upgrades, priorities (roads, utilities) limit
tree trimming, etc. mitigation-specific spending.
(RL = Repetitive Loss; SRL = Severe Repetitive Loss under NFIP.)

Each funding source has constraints – timing, competitiveness, scale, or availability – leaving
important mitigation needs unaddressed. This is where the CDBG-DR allocation is vital. HUD’s
mitigation funds o_er flexibility to undertake projects that might not neatly fit other programs or to
cover local match portions to make other grants feasible. For example, if Pasco has an HMGP
project awarded but needs the 25% non-federal match, CDBG-DR could potentially fill that gap to
ensure the project proceeds.

In particular, the 15% CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside will be programmed to address strategic gaps:

1. Projects reducing risk that haven’t received adequate funding from FEMA or state sources.
2. Innovative or pilot projects not planned for use through FEMA grants but grounded in
Pasco’s resilience plans.
3. Multi-jurisdictional or regional projects that might not fit neatly in other programs.

Despite all these e_orts, needs remain greater than available funding. Pasco County’s LMS project
list contains numerous high-priority actions totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in identified
needs, from major drainage overhauls to bridge replacements and community safe rooms. The
CDBG-DR allocation will cover only a portion of our community’s needs.

Therefore, Pasco will continue seeking a layered funding approach: using CDBG-DR to jump-start
key projects and leveraging those as matching or demonstration projects to attract future funding.

This assessment and the resulting strategy ensure that CDBG-DR funds are used in a coordinated
way, not in a vacuum. Projects selected will complement what FEMA and the State are funding,
thereby avoiding duplication and maximizing overall impact. The gaps identified substantiate the
importance and need for CDBG-DR investment –without these HUD funds, many of the highlighted
vulnerabilities - like those repetitive flood homes or that needed pump station- would remain
unaddressed indefinitely due to lack of funding. This Action Plan aims to close those gaps.

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FDEM Hurricane Loss Mitigation Program

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Alignment with Local Mitigation and Resilience Plans
Pasco County is committed to ensuring that the initiatives in this Action Plan align with and
advance the goals of existing local plans, namely the Pasco County LMS, the Resilient Pasco RVA,
and the Resilience and Sustainability Plan, as well as other regional plans. This alignment is
essential for consistency, avoiding duplication, and meeting regulatory requirements.

• Pasco County LMS (2024 Hazard Mitigation Plan): The LMS is the county’s comprehensive
hazard mitigation plan, developed by a multi-jurisdictional working group and approved by
Florida DEM and FEMA. It identifies the county’s hazards and vulnerabilities and lists
mitigation actions/projects. The LMS’s goals – such as protecting lives and property,
reducing repetitive losses, and enhancing coordination – provide the strategic framework for
this Mitigation Needs Assessment. The hazards profiled in this document mirror those in the
LMS (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, etc.), and the risk findings (like vulnerability of coastal
areas and mobile homes) are directly drawn from or supported by LMS data. Each
mitigation action proposed in the Action Plan will be cross-checked against the LMS project
list or goals. In most cases, CDBG-DR funded projects will be those already prioritized in the
LMS or emergent needs that still fit LMS objectives. Because the LMS is updated every 5
years and tracked annually, using it as a guide ensures our e_orts remain eligible for future
FEMA funding and complement ongoing initiatives. Of note, Pasco’s LMS also doubles as
the Floodplain Management Plan and Community Wildfire Protection Plan, which means
our flood and fire mitigation e_orts via CDBG-DR will also help maintain our standing in
NFIP’s CRS program and state wildfire programs.

• Resilient Pasco RVA (2024) and Resilience and Sustainability Plan (2025): The RVA was
essentially Phase 1 of a larger resilience project funded by CDBG-MIT97. It provided a
detailed assessment of climate-related hazards (like flooding, surge, SLR, and extreme
heat) and critical assets. The findings from the RVA are woven throughout this needs
assessment, such as stats on road and infrastructure vulnerability. The next phase is a
Resilience and Sustainability Action Plan for Pasco - to be completed in 2025. The
mitigation strategies in this CDBG-DR Action Plan will be coordinated with those resilience
recommendations. Essentially, we are using the same dataset and focus areas. If the
Resilience Plan suggests pursuing a living shoreline in Miller’s Bayou or hardening a water
treatment plant, we can utilize CDBG-DR funds to implement those suggestions. This
ensures a seamless transition from assessment to action – something HUD strongly
encourages. By funding projects consistent with the Resilient Pasco Plan, we also leverage
the stakeholder input and consultant expertise that went into that e_ort. The County will
document how each CDBG-DR project ties back to a vulnerability identified in the RVA or a
strategy in the forthcoming Resilience Plan. For example, “elevate lift stations” was noted,
which we can fund. This also provides longevity – so once CDBG-DR funds are spent, the
County’s Resilience Plan will continue guiding further work in the same direction.

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Resilient Pasco Project

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 • Other Local and Regional Plans: Pasco County is involved in regional resiliency e_orts
such as the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Action Plan (RRAP)98 through the TBRPC. Pasco
County’s mitigation priorities—like addressing sea level rise and extreme heat—reflect
regional goals and actions in the RRAP (for example, improving regional evacuation route
resilience, which is a Tampa Bay priority and clearly needed per our analysis).

As an added benefit, the LMS is FEMA-approved; aligning with it means Pasco retains eligibility for
future FEMA mitigation funding. The County also benefits from alignment by leveraging plan-
approved cost-benefit analyses and environmental reviews already done or anticipated in those
plans, allowing Pasco County to streamline implementation.

By demonstrating these connections, Pasco County ensures that mitigation investments are not
made in a vacuum; rather, they are part of a coherent, multi-plan strategy for resilience. This also
provides confidence to stakeholders – like our County’s residents, the State of Florida, and HUD,
that Pasco County is building on established plans rather than starting something from the ground
up. Each project funded will cite which strategic initiative or recommendation it supports, creating
a clear audit trail of consistency.

Summary and Conclusion

This assessment is informed by and feeds into Pasco County’s broader resilience planning e_orts.
It bridges thought, analysis, and action, ensuring that our Action Plan’s mitigation component is
evidence-based, strategically targeted, community-specific, and well-coordinated with all relevant
plans and funding streams.

By addressing identified risks with appropriate strategies and integrating them into existing plans,
Pasco County will move toward a safer, more disaster-resilient future. These e_orts ultimately aim
to reduce future disaster losses, protect our most vulnerable populations, and break the costly
cycle of damage and repair by investing smartly in mitigation now.

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TBRPC Regional Resiliency Goals & Measurable Actions

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Connecting Proposed Programs and Unmet needs
Connection between proposed programs and projects and unmet needs
Pasco County has allocated funding across eight proposed programs to address its unmet needs
and mitigation priorities identified. Each program is tailored to a specific aspect of recovery
(housing, infrastructure, economic revitalization, public services, or mitigation) and is designed to
benefit LMI residents to the greatest extent possible. The total CDBG-DR allocation of $585.7
million (after setting aside funds for administration and planning) is distributed across these
programs in reasonable proportion to the severity of needs in each sector. The entire county is
HUD-designated as the Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) area for these disasters, so all
programs will serve the MID area (Pasco County as a whole). The following narrative provides an
overview of the proposed programs, including their purpose, the unmet needs they address, the
funding allocated to each program, and how they benefit LMI residents.

The County’s proposed allocations by category are summarized in the “Allocation and Award Cap”
section of this document, including the estimated mitigation set-aside and the percentage to
overall LMI benefit. Award caps are listed in each program description.

Unmet Needs Assessment

The Unmet Needs Assessment for Pasco County reviewed FEMA IA/PA, SBA, NFIP, and local data.
In addition, comments, survey responses, and other public input received from residents,
businesses, and other stakeholders were considered.

Housing
As one citizen commented during our Dade City town hall meeting, “First and foremost, this money
should be used to get people back into housing.” The County is committed to assisting our income-
qualified households return to safe, sanitary, and resilient housing.

To ensure Pasco County is responsive to the needs of our community, the County has analyzed the
demographic data of our residents, including our low- and moderate-income households and
vulnerable populations - older adults, families with small children, people experiencing
homelessness, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals with disabilities. Pasco County is
committed to serving our low-moderate income households and areas, as well as our vulnerable
populations, with CDBG-DR assistance.

According to the FY 2024 American Community Survey 2016-2020, Low-and Moderate-Income

(LMI) Summary Data, 43.3% of the households in Pasco County are low-to moderate-income, or
over 230,000 persons. 99Many of these low-moderate-income communities have been

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ONice of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Exchange. (2023). FY 2024 ACS 5-Year 2016-20120 Low- and
Moderate- Income Summary Data. [online] Available at: https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/acs-low-mod-
summary-data/. Accessed April 15, 2025.

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disproportionately impacted by the damage caused by the storms, both through their housing,
whether temporary relocation or permanent housing, and job loss.

The map below delineates census tracts where the households are over 51% LMI areas,
concentrating on both the west and east sides of the County.100

= more than 51% of households are low- and moderate-income

Pasco County has allocated $305,000,000 to support housing recovery programs in the County.

The Unmet Needs Assessment indicates that Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton caused
significant damage to our housing stock in Pasco County. As the highest priority to ensure our
residents can return to their homes, Pasco County has created three Housing for a Better Future
Programs to assist in rebuilding safe, sanitary, and secure housing for our residents. The County will
operate one centralized program to assist those impacted by the storms, whether in a municipality
or unincorporated Pasco County. Through this program, Pasco County plans to address the unmet
housing needs, rebuild more resilient housing, and protect our citizens.

Pasco County’s homeownership population is significantly higher than the renter population. With
over 77% of households classified as homeowners, these households may have homeowner’s
and/or flood insurance, FEMA assistance, Small Business Administration loans, and other means to
repair their homes and recover from disasters. They also had the ability to park a recreational
vehicle and live on their property while their permanent residence undergoes repair. Renters in
Pasco County, while just under 23% of the population, faced significant challenges, including
relocation to another a_ordable rental in an already tight a_ordable housing rental market, and
landlords were slow to respond to unit repairs.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), O_ice of Policy Development and Research
100

(PD&R). Mapping Tool. [online] Available at: https://arcg.is/1Deyz12

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Housing Program #1: Housing for a Better Future – Repair, Reconstruction,
and Elevation (RRE) Program
1. Purpose: Provide assistance to homeowners and landlords to repair or rebuild homes
damaged by the hurricanes, incorporating resiliency measures like elevation and wind-
hardening. Funds will also be available for eligible reimbursement expenses. This is the
County’s primary homeowner recovery program.
2. Needs Addressed: This program directly addresses the largest unmet need - housing
recovery. As noted, thousands of Pasco homes remain damaged or destroyed, with families
still displaced or living in unsafe conditions. The RRE program will fill the gap left by other
sources by funding the repair or reconstruction of homes that residents cannot a_ord to fix
on their own. By restoring these houses, the program helps families return to safe,
permanent homes. It also ensures rebuilt homes are more resilient to future storms (e.g.
elevating homes in flood zones, strengthening roofs), which addresses the overlap between
recovery and mitigation.
3. Allocation: $155 million (about 26.4% of total CDBG-DR funds allocated to Pasco County)
is allocated to the RRE Program. This large share of funding is justified by the housing
sector’s outsized portion of unmet needs (roughly 74% of total needs). With these funds,
the County anticipates repairing, rebuilding, and elevating approximately 800 housing units
(depending on final project costs), significantly lessening the $1.1 billion housing repair gap
and approximately 500 households will seek reimbursement.
Homeowners and renters – including individuals who 65 years old and older - can be on a limited
income, dealing with physical/health issues and also mental health/social isolation all contributing
to their vulnerability. According to the American Community Survey, DP05 5-year estimates, there
are 137,708 households in Pasco County with at least one person over 65. Almost 50% of
households with a senior present are homeowners. Of those households with a person 65 and
older, 46,421 persons (34.4%) have any disability. Of those households with a person 65 and over,
15.2% have incomes less than 125% of the poverty level. Seniors who are displaced by the storms
face many challenges. Those who were renters must find comparable housing close to health care,
grocery shopping and transportation. Homeowners face the challenges of navigating FEMA and
insurance claims, permitting, and managing contractors. A manufactured housing replacement
program will assist our residents – including seniors, families with children, and LMI population - to
regain their independence and housing security. Of the 256,783 housing units within the County,
18% of these units are considered mobile or manufactured homes101; these are particularly
vulnerable to high winds and flooding.

Housing Program #2: Housing for a Better Future – Manufactured Housing

Replacement (MHR) Program
1. Purpose: Replace disaster-damaged manufactured homes with new, safe, and code-
compliant manufactured housing units for eligible low-income residents. This program
specifically targets homeowners and renters who lived in mobile homes that are beyond
repair.

U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. "Selected Housing Characteristics." American
101

Community Survey, ACS 1-Year Estimates Data Profiles, Table DP04, 2023, Accessed on April 15, 2025.

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 2. Needs Addressed: Mobile homes form a significant portion of Pasco’s a_ordable housing
stock, especially for LMI households – including seniors. Unfortunately, older mobile homes
could not withstand the hurricanes – many were destroyed by high winds or flooding. Entire
mobile home parks in coastal areas were flooded, and when those homes were lost, their
residents lost their only a_ordable housing option. Traditional repair programs aren’t
e_ective for units that were obliterated or structurally compromised. The MH Replacement
Program meets this unmet need by providing a new manufactured home to households
whose mobile homes were severely damaged or destroyed, ensuring these families are not
left homeless or living in dilapidated homes. This gives vulnerable residents (often on fixed
incomes) a secure and resilient home for the future instead of an unsafe, storm-damaged
unit.
3. Allocation: $50 million (around 8.5% of the total funds) is set aside for the Mobile Home
Replacement Program. This substantial investment reflects the large number of mobile
homes impacted and the high cost of providing new units. With these funds, the County
anticipates replacing approximately 250 mobile homes (depending on final project costs),
targeting those households that had no other means to recover their residence and
approximately 100 households will seek reimbursement.
Investments in new single family or multi-family homeownership will help our residents and
families with young children build wealth and provide a stable housing environment for their
families. With multi-family rental projects, an increase in a_ordable rental housing units will benefit
LMI and vulnerable populations alike.

Housing Program #3: Better Future Aeordable Housing New Construction

Program
1. Purpose: Develop new a_ordable housing (both single-family and multifamily units) to
replace housing stock lost to the disasters and to address the pre-disaster a_ordable
housing shortage that was worsened by the storms. This program will fund the construction
of new homes and apartments, through partnerships with developers or nonprofits, with
a_ordability requirements for LMI households.
2. Needs Addressed: Even after repairs and replacements, Pasco County faces a situation
where repairing existing homes alone is not su_icient to meet all housing needs. The
hurricanes not only damaged individual homes but also exacerbated an existing housing
crisis. With many homes destroyed, the rental market tightened, and housing costs rose,
leaving displaced renters with nowhere a_ordable to go. This program addresses the unmet
need for additional housing by creating new units that disaster-impacted residents can
move into when repairs are not possible or if they were previously unhoused. For example, if
an entire neighborhood was wiped out by flooding, it might be safer to build a new
apartment complex on higher ground and o_er units to those residents. On the west side of
Pasco County, a number of mobile home parks were destroyed. These properties could be
acquired by developers and redeveloped into sustainable, wind resistant modular or
manufactured housing or other types of a_ordable units. The New Construction Program is
a forward-looking recovery strategy to ensure that LMI income residents have viable housing
options rather than being permanently displaced from the community. It also helps replace
some of the a_ordable housing that was lost - including public or subsidized housing units
that were storm-damaged.

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 3. Allocation: $100 million (around 17% of total funds) is allocated to the A_ordable Housing
New Construction Program. While smaller than the repair programs, this investment is
significant; it could produce almost a thousand new a_ordable housing units through gap
financing to developers or direct construction. The allocation is justified because new
construction addresses both disaster impacts and longstanding needs. By adding new
units, Pasco can begin to close the a_ordability gap and ensure that disaster-impacted
families have a place to live.

Infrastructure
To fully recover from the impact of Hurricanes Idalia, Helene and Milton, Pasco County has
allocated $130,022,800 to support the repairs, reconstruction, and improvements to critical
infrastructure and public facilities. Priorities will be given to projects located in or serving Pasco
County’s LMI census tracts. While the data available through FEMA PA indicated approximately
16% for infrastructure unmet needs, the County consulted closely with our municipalities, internal
departments, community needs survey results, and stakeholder engagement discussions. As a
result, many expressed a substantial need for infrastructure projects, activities, and repairs.
Projects most often identified included upgrading water and sewer facilities, stormwater projects to
mitigate flooding in residential areas, the installation of permanent or elevated generators, dredging
of canals and hardening or repairing of critical infrastructure.

Infrastructure Program #1: Critical Infrastructure

1. Purpose: Repair and improve critical infrastructure systems damaged by the hurricanes,
with an emphasis on resilience. This program will fund projects for public infrastructure
such as roads, bridges, drainage systems, water and wastewater facilities, and power
infrastructure. The aim is to restore functionality and harden these systems to better
withstand future risks.
2. Needs Addressed: The storms caused widespread infrastructure damage in Pasco –
flooding and washouts damaged roads (including evacuation routes), bridges, and culverts;
power outages occurred; and sewer overflows and water system disruptions highlighted
weaknesses in utilities. While FEMA PA and other programs cover some repairs, many
projects require additional funds or improvements beyond simple repair - such as upsizing
a culvert or relocating a lift station out of a floodplain. By funding these projects, the
program ensures that communities have safe roads, e_ective drainage, and reliable
utilities, which are all essential for public safety and economic recovery. It specifically
targets infrastructure that, if not fixed, would impede recovery or pose ongoing risks (like a
repeatedly flooding highway or a storm-damaged water treatment plant). In addition,
improving infrastructure now (such as elevating a road or burying power lines) mitigates the
impact of future disasters on the community.
3. Allocation: Approximately $100 million ($100,022,800, or about 17% of total funds) is
allocated to the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Program. This corresponds to the
significant portion of unmet needs attributed to infrastructure (around 16% of the unmet
needs total, or roughly $245 million), balanced with the recognition that some infrastructure
repairs have other funding. Accomplishments for this program will be contingent on the mix
of projects submitted for approval. The allocated amount will cover multiple high-priority

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 projects across the county. This investment is essential to restore normalcy and protect
communities from future harm.

Infrastructure Program #2: Public Facilities Program

1. Purpose: Repair, rebuild, or enhance public facilities that were damaged by the disasters or
are needed to support recovery and resilience. Public facilities include community centers,
emergency shelters, public schools, libraries, health clinics, government service buildings,
and other public or nonprofit-owned facilities serving the community. This program ensures
that these facilities are restored to full function and improved to better serve the public in
future events.
2. Needs Addressed: Many public facilities in Pasco were impacted by the hurricanes or
revealed to be insu_icient. For example, some schools and community centers used as
shelters experienced damage or lacked generators, and other facilities like fire stations or
clinics may have su_ered flooding or wind damage. Additionally, facilities such as homeless
shelters are considered public facilities for recovery purposes – several of these had roof
damage, water intrusion, or other issues that need repair and mitigation - including
installing backup power. Unmet needs include funding to fix these damages and to upgrade
facilities (e.g., strengthen a community center so it can double as a hurricane shelter, or
rebuild a damaged senior center). By addressing public facilities, the program supports
services that residents rely on – a repaired senior center can reopen to serve elders, a
hardened shelter can safely house people in the next storm, and a rebuilt clinic can provide
healthcare without interruption. These projects often fall outside traditional infrastructure
funding, so CDBG-DR fills a crucial gap.
3. Allocation: $30 million (about 5% of total funds) is proposed for the Public Facilities
Program. This funding will be used for several key facility projects – for instance, repairing a
storm-damaged community resource center and equipping it with resilient features, or
integrating an emergency operations center that is undersized with a community resilience
center. This level of funding recognizes that while facility needs are smaller in dollar terms
than housing or major infrastructure, they are highly impactful for community recovery.
Accomplishments for this program will be contingent on the mix of projects submitted for
approval. If additional facility needs are identified or specific larger projects, like a new
shelter construction project, are identified, the County can adjust the allocation
accordingly through a substantial amendment.

Economic Revitalization
The impact on our business communities followed a similar pattern to the housing impacts.This
Action Plan has allocated $25,000,000 (4.2%) to economic revitalization of Pasco’s business
communities. Engaging the business community through the Greater Pasco Chamber of
Commerce and the Greater East Pasco Chamber of Commerce as well as public surveys, the
business community cared about small business recovery, equipment and signage. Job training,
including workforce development, will provide training in manufacturing, robotics, and soft skills
that are all in demand for our local labor market. Participants may include LMI and vulnerable
populations - those experiencing homelessness, disabled adults and re-careering older adults.

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Economic Revitalization Program #1: Small Business/Non-Profit Recovery
Program
1. Purpose: Provide financial assistance to small businesses and nonprofits a_ected by the
hurricanes to support economic recovery and job retention/creation. Assistance may
include grants or low-interest loans for rebuilding physical damages, replacing inventory
and equipment, covering working capital needs, and implementing mitigation measures,
such as elevating utilities or purchasing generators, to make businesses more resilient.
2. Needs Addressed: The storms dealt a major blow to local businesses – especially small
businesses, which make up the backbone of Pasco’s economy. Many shops, restaurants,
and service providers su_ered damage or lengthy power outages that spoiled inventory and
halted operations. Some businesses had to lay o_ employees or shut down entirely. These
businesses often did not receive enough insurance or SBA assistance to fully recover,
leaving an unmet need for assistance. The Small Business Recovery Program addresses this
need by injecting much-needed capital so businesses can repair their premises, restock,
and reopen. This helps revive the local economy and preserves jobs that might otherwise be
lost permanently. Additionally, by encouraging or requiring simple mitigation measures (like
elevating electrical panels or adding flood barriers for a store in a flood-prone location), the
program helps businesses come back stronger against future disasters. Overall, this
program is a key part of economic revitalization, targeting the gap for those businesses that
lack the resources to recover on their own.
3. Allocation: $25 million (approximately 4.3% of total funds) is allocated to the Small
Business Recovery Program. This allocation aligns with the share of unmet economic needs
(roughly 10% of the total gap) while considering other known available resources like
insurance and SBA loans. With this funding, Pasco can assist a substantial number of
businesses through a combination of grants and loans. For example, if average grants were
around $50,000, this could help approximately 500 businesses. Grants might range higher
for severely impacted businesses, and some funds could be reserved as loans revolving to
help even more over time – so accomplishments for this program will be contingent on the
mix of applications and requested benefits received by the Program.

Public Services
The County is allocating $10 million to serve our LMI population with much needed public service
programs. These services may include outreach, case management, legal services, and housing
delivery, navigation, and/or stabilization for our residents - including vulnerable seniors, homeless,
disabled, survivors of domestic violence and human tra_icking, and those with substance abuse or
mental health issues. Delivery of services for food insecurity, behavioral health, and job training
may also be supported with CDBG-DR funding.

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According to the 2023 Point-In-Time Count, 623 persons were experiencing homelessness on the
last Wednesday in January 2023. Of those, 67% were unsheltered, living in tents, encampments,
cars and other places not fit for human habitation.102

People with disabilities can include mental, physical and/or developmental disabilities. According
to the 2023 American Community Survey, 1 year estimate S1810, there are 101,830 (16.2%)
persons living with a disability in Pasco County, with 46,421 (34.4%) of those persons being over 65.
These disabilities include hearing, ambulatory, vision, cognitive, self-care and/or independent living
di_iculty.103 This population has been disproportionately impacted by the storms, in many cases
losing their independence, proximity to medical services, and social support networks.

Survivors of domestic violence and human tra_icking experience income, housing and employment
insecurities, in addition to mental and physical abuse.

These vulnerable populations are some of the many individuals and households who have special
recovery needs.

Public Services Program #1: Public Services Program

1. Purpose: Support a range of public services to assist individuals and households
recovering from the disaster, particularly those who are vulnerable or have special recovery
needs. Eligible activities under this program include disaster case management, housing
counseling, legal services related to recovery, mental health services for trauma survivors,
employment training for those who lost jobs, childcare or youth programs to support
families during recovery, and other CDBG-DR eligible Public Services activities.
2. Needs Addressed: As detailed in the Unmet Needs Assessment, human services needs
post-disaster are substantial. Many impacted residents require help navigating the recovery
process – for example, completing complicated aid applications or managing home repairs
– which disaster case managers can provide. Others face emotional and mental health
challenges after the trauma of the hurricanes, creating demand for counseling and support
groups. There are also families who became homeless or experienced extreme hardship
due to the storms and need housing stability services or emergency assistance. These
needs are not bricks-and-mortar but are vital for our county’s recovery. The Public Services
Program addresses these unmet needs by funding organizations and agencies that provide
direct assistance to residents in need. By doing so, it ensures that vulnerable populations
(including LMI households, seniors, persons with disabilities, and residents with limited
English proficiency) receive help in recovering, bridging the gap between enduring the storm
and fully getting back on their feet. Without this support, many at-risk residents might not
access housing programs or could su_er long-term setbacks. This program fills the crucial
gap in the recovery ecosystem related to outreach, counseling, and social support.

102
CoC Homeless Populations and Subpopulations Reports. (2024). Hudexchange.info.
https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/coc/coc-homeless-populations-and-subpopulations-
reports/?filter_Year=2024&filter_Scope=State&filter_State=&filter_CoC=&program=CoC&group=PopSubreports/publis
hed/CoC_PopSub_CoC_FL-519-2024_FL_2024.pdf. Accessed on April 15, 2025.
103
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce. "Disability Characteristics." American Community Survey, ACS
1-Year Estimates Subject Tables, Table S1810, 2023,
https://data.census.gov/table/ACSST1Y2023.S1810?q=disability&g=050XX00US12101. Accessed on April 17, 2025.

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 3. Allocation: $10 million (approximately 1.7% of total funds) is allocated to the Public
Services Program. While $10 million is a relatively small portion of the $585M grant, it can
have an outsized impact when used for services - as service programs are generally lower
cost per beneficiary than construction projects. For example, these funds could support
several years of case management services for hundreds of families, legal clinics for storm
victims, and mental health services accessible to thousands of residents. By investing in
public services, Pasco County ensures the “people side” of recovery is addressed to assist
our residents. In addition, the County intends to use some Planning dollars to build the
capacity of our nonprofits to better respond during disasters,

Mitigation Needs
Pasco’s mitigation needs assessment indicates significant need for improvements to critical
infrastructure and public facilities to prevent damages during future disasters. To address
mitigation needs, Pasco County will utilize $76,396,000 in CDBG-DR funds to address these
needs. These improvements may include structural hardening to increase resiliency from high
wind events and elevation to increase flood resiliency. Pasco County is committed to ensuring
the initiatives in this Action Plan align with and advance the goals of existing local plans such as
the LMS and Resiliency and Sustainability Plan.

Mitigation Set-Aside Program #1: Better Future Match and Mitigation

1. Purpose: Utilize the designated mitigation set-aside funds ($76.4 million) to finance
projects that reduce future disaster risks, and to provide required matching funds for other
state or federal mitigation grants. This program is forward-looking, funding infrastructure
projects, property improvements, and other measures that protect the community from
current and future hazards identified in the Mitigation Needs Assessment. It is dubbed
“Better Future” because it invests in a safer, more resilient future for Pasco County and its
residents.
2. Needs Addressed: This program addresses the mitigation needs including risks and
vulnerabilities to flooding, wind, wildfire, and other hazards that, if left unaddressed, will
lead to repeated damage. Specific needs include: improving stormwater systems and flood
control in areas prone to flooding; elevating or flood-proofing critical facilities (like water
treatment plants or emergency shelters) so they aren’t knocked out by the next storm;
hardening the electric grid or burying power lines to reduce hurricane outages; acquiring or
elevating homes that repeatedly flood to prevent future property loss; and implementing
wildfire mitigation in high-risk zones. Many of these projects do not necessarily tie-back to
the 2023-2024 storms but are essential to increase resilience. Additionally, the need for
local matching funds is significant; without the availability of required match funding, the
County might have to forgo those mitigation opportunities. This program ensures Pasco can
take on these projects by covering matches and funding standalone mitigation initiatives. It
narrows the funding gap for critical resilience projects that would reduce the impact of
future disasters on Pasco’s communities. This forward-thinking approach means the
CDBG-DR funds will leave a legacy of safer infrastructure and neighborhoods long after the
immediate recovery is done.
3. Allocation: The full mitigation set-aside of $76,396,000 is allocated to the Match and
Mitigation Program. These funds are separately identified for mitigation activities by federal

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 requirement, and Pasco will use them in a strategic manner. For example, a portion of this
funding might be reserved to match other Federal grants, while the remainder directly funds
county-selected mitigation projects - such as upgrading stormwater pumps in a vulnerable
town or creating a regional retention pond to prevent neighborhood flooding. All projects
will meet HUD’s definition of mitigation: addressing identified risks with a measurable
reduction of future disaster damage. The $76.4 million allocation is fixed as the mitigation
portion of the grant, so the County’s focus is on spending it e_ectively.

Planning
Pasco County has allocated $10,000,000 for planning activities. The County will build on the
existing e_orts of State, local, and regional hazard mitigation, emergency management, and
resiliency planning. These funds will help the community’s ability to minimize future damage and
recover quickly from extreme events and changing conditions, including natural hazard risks. These
funds will also help to build the capacity of our nonprofit agency infrastructure to allow a more
robust response during times of crises and storms; our nonprofit community are most often the
first responders and boots on the ground to assist those in the LMI community and vulnerable
populations in recovery e_orts.

Compliance with Applicable Statutes

Pasco County is committed to the allocation of CDBG-DR funds in a manner that complies with
applicable statutes. Guidance for compliance on these laws and regulations can be found in
Section 109 of the Housing and Community Development Act, 42 U.S.C. 5309; Title VI of the Civil
Rights Act of 1964,42 U.S.C. 2000d et seq.; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000d
et seq.; Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (The Fair Housing Act), 42 U.S.C 3601-19; Section
504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. 794; the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12131 et seq, and the Personal Responsibility and Work
Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

Programs are designed to provide necessary ADA accommodations to support the recovery needs
of impacted individuals with disabilities. Programs, as noted above, will provide access to all our
residents - including our vulnerable populations.

Pasco County will meet or exceed expending 70% of CDBG-DR funds on activities that benefit low-
and-moderate income households or areas. The County will guarantee that all eligible individuals
are given the opportunity to apply for assistance in rehabilitating their homes if they incurred
damage during Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton.

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Minimizing Displacement and Ensuring Accessibility
Pasco County recognizes that disaster recovery e_orts should strive to keep communities intact
and avoid uprooting residents or businesses as much as possible. The County has a large senior
population (over 22% of residents are 65 or older) and a significant number of households living in
mobile or manufactured homes (approximately 1 in 5 homes in the County is a mobile home).
These demographic factors mean that many residents are particularly vulnerable to the disruptive
e_ects of displacement. Therefore, in designing our CDBG-DR programs, Pasco County will make
reasonable e_orts to minimize displacement of persons and entities, provide necessary assistance
to anyone who is displaced, and ensure that the accessibility needs of displaced persons with
disabilities are met.

Minimizing Displacement

Whenever feasible, recovery programs will be structured to allow residents to remain in their homes
or communities. For example, the County’s housing programs will prioritize in-place repairs of
disaster-damaged homes, so families (especially elderly residents) do not have to relocate during
construction if it can be avoided. If homes are too damaged and must be rebuilt, the program will
explore temporary on-site housing solutions (such as temporary trailers on the property) or phase
construction in a way that minimizes time away from home. For infrastructure projects, the County
will seek design or location alternatives that avoid displacing businesses or residents. Overall,
Pasco County will seek to avoid or reduce adverse impacts from displacement in all CDBG-DR
activities, consistent with HUD’s guidance to use non-displacing recovery methods where possible.

Assistance to Displaced Persons

If displacement does occur as a result of a CDBG-DR funded project, Pasco County will ensure that
those a_ected receive appropriate assistance and protections. The County will follow the
requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act
(URA) and Section 104(d) of the HCDA, as applicable, to provide relocation assistance. This means
any residents who must move will be given advance notice, counseling, and help in finding
comparable replacement housing. They will also be eligible for financial assistance such as moving
expenses, rent or downpayment assistance, and other support to transition to a new home. For
example, if a low-income family in a mobile home park is, the County might assist them with the
costs of moving to a safer manufactured home community or provide a rent subsidy so they can
a_ord an apartment elsewhere. Business owners displaced by infrastructure improvements would
also be assisted in relocating their shop or o_ice. All such assistance will meet or exceed the
minimum standards set by federal law to ensure that no displaced person su_ers undue hardship.
The Action Plan will include a Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan that
details these commitments, as required by governing HUD regulations.

Ensuring Accessibility for Displaced Persons with Disabilities

Pasco County will pay special attention to the needs of displaced seniors or individuals with
disabilities, as these residents may face added challenges during relocation. The County will make

81
sure that any temporary housing or permanent rehousing options o_ered to displaced persons are
accessible and accommodating. For instance, if an elderly homeowner who uses a wheelchair
must relocate while their home is being rehabilitated or reconstructed, the County will arrange
interim housing that has necessary features such as ramped entrances, wide doorways, and an
accessible bathroom. When helping a displaced family find a new rental unit, the County’s case
managers will consider disability access needs and will coordinate with landlords to secure
modifications if needed (e.g., outward door swing patters, grab bars, etc.). Additionally, the process
of notifying and assisting displaced persons will be carried out in an accessible manner:
notifications will be available in large print or audio format for the visually impaired, and the County
will take reasonable steps to provide sign language interpretation for any meetings with hearing-
impaired persons. By addressing these needs, the County ensures that no displaced person with a
disability is left without accommodations required for equal access to relocation resources.

Summary

Pasco County will seek to minimize displacement in its disaster recovery projects by favoring
solutions that allow people to stay in their homes or communities. When displacement is
unavoidable, the County will assist displaced persons and businesses through every step of the
relocation process, providing both financial help and logistical support to secure safe and decent
replacement housing or sites. Recognizing the large number of seniors and persons with disabilities
in the community, the County will take extra care to meet accessibility needs for those a_ected –
ensuring that the most vulnerable residents experience a smooth transition with housing that is
suitable for their needs. These e_orts reflect Pasco County’s dedication to compassionate
recovery, where rebuilding does not come at the cost of displacing or those who have already
su_ered from the disaster. All the above measures will be clearly outlined in the Action Plan to
reassure the public that recovery will be conducted in a fair and supportive manner for all residents.

Allocation and Award Cap

Funding Criteria
Pasco County, via the O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources, is the lead agency responsible for
administering $585,700,000 in CDBG-DR funds that were allocated as a result of Hurricanes Idalia,
Helene, and Milton. Pasco County Community Development is the Responsible Entity for
Environmental Review.

Pasco County has incurred pre-agreement costs and will seek reimbursement for these costs after
the e_ective date of the CDBG-DR grant agreement. These costs could include salaries, benefits
and direct operating expenses of Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources as well as
the vendors providing technical support for the planning of the CDBG-DR programs. Other pre-
agreement costs could include activity delivery and project costs associated with eligible disaster
recovery programs identified within this Action Plan. The County may request reimbursement for
certain eligible pre-agreement costs necessary for the e_icient and timely implementation of its
recovery programs. These costs may include but are not limited to environmental review, public
engagement activities, damage assessment, program design, creation of policies and procedures,

82
sta_ing and capacity building functions, and other costs necessary for determining eligibility of
projects.

General Exception Criteria

Pasco County may make exceptions to award caps when necessary to comply with federal
accessibility standards or to reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities. In such cases,
requests for increases to award caps will be subject to an evaluation based on (a) documented
need and (b) cost reasonableness.

Allocation Summary
Category & Programs Proposed Allocation % of Allocation

Housing $305,000,000

Repair, Reconstruction, and Elevation (RRE) $155,000,000

52%
Manufactured Housing Program $50,000,000

A_ordable Housing Construction $100,000,000

Infrastructure $130,022,800

Critical Infrastructure $100,022,800 22%

Public Facilities $30,000,000

Economic Revitalization $25,000,000

4%
Small Business and Non-Profit Recovery $25,000,000

Public Services $10,000,000

2%
Public Services for a Better Future $10,000,000

Mitigation $76,396,000
13%
Better Future Match and Mitigation $76,396,000

Planning $10,000,000
2%
Planning for a Better Future $10,000,000

Administration $29,285,200
5%
Planning for a Better Future $29,285,200

Total $585,704,000 100%

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 Estimated % Estimated %
CDBG-DR
Eligible Cost % of CDBG-DR to CDBG-DR to HUD Estimated %
Allocation
Category Allocation Mitigation identified MID to LMI
Amount
Set-aside Areas

Administration $29,285,000 5%

Planning $10,000,000 2% 50%

Housing $305,000,000 52% 0% 100% 85%

Infrastructure $130,022,800 22% 0% 100% 70%

Economic
$25,000,000 4% 0% 100% 70%
Revitalization

Public Service $10,000,000 2% 0% 100% 100%

CDBG-DR
Mitigation Set- $76,396,000 13% 100% 100% 70%
Aside

Pasco County’s CDBG-DR investments will repair homes and infrastructure, support economic
recovery, improve access to services, and strengthen resilience. All programs prioritize low- and
moderate-income residents and are designed to ensure timely, compliant, and transparent
recovery.

Administration
Table 3: Grantee Administration Activity Overview

Eligible Cost
CDBG-DR Allocation Amount % of CDBG-DR Allocation
Category

Administration Total: $29,285,200 5%

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 Total $29,285,200 $29.285,200

The County will utilize 5 percent of the total grant award for administration, plus 5% of any program
income. This is the maximum amount permissible for administrative costs, as outlined in the
Universal Notice. Eligible costs include sta_ time, administrative expenses, and other costs related
to developing, managing, and overseeing the Action Plan, CDBG-DR grant setup, and resilience and
recovery programs. This includes financial certifications, unmet needs analysis, capacity
assessment, technical assistance, monitoring, environmental reviews, grant reporting including
DRGR, quarterly reports and other activities per 24 CFR 570.206.

Planning
Table 4: Grantee Planning Activity Overview

Eligible Cost
CDBG-DR Allocation Amount % of CDBG-DR Allocation
Category
Planning Activity
$10,000,000 2%
Number One
Total: 10,000,000 2%

Pasco County will engage in a range of planning activities to guide our recovery e_orts and help us
achieve a more sustainable and resilient County. The proposed planning activities include disaster
preparedness/hazards plans, local recovery and development plans, feasibility and mitigation
studies as well as capacity building for our non-profit community and local governments.

Housing
Housing Programs Overview

Table 5: Grantee Housing Programs Overview

Eligible Cost % of CDBG-DR Allocation for LMI

CDBG-DR Allocation Amount
Category Benefit
Housing Program
$155,000,000 26.5%
Number One
Housing Program
$50,000,000 8.5%
Number Two
Housing Program
100,000,000 17%
Number Three
Housing Program
$305,000,000 52%
Total:

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Grantee Housing Program Number One
Program Title: Housing for a Better Future – Repair, Reconstruction and Elevation (RRE)

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: $155,000,000

Eligible Activities

• Repair, Reconstruction, and Elevation of Single-Family Owner-Occupied Housing Units

• Repair, Reconstruction, and Elevation of Rental Housing Units (1-4 units)
• Reimbursement of Disaster Recovery Expenses for Homeowners
• Demolition and clearance of blighted structures
• Residential Buyout and relocation (with redevelopment allowed)

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Section
105(a)(4) (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(4)) 24 CFR 570.202 (eligible repair and preservation activities), and
FRN-6489-N-01. Only properties damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton are considered
for eligibility.

National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Housing (LMH) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(3)),
Elimination of Slum or Blight (24 CFR 570.208(b)(2), and Urgent Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR
570.208[c])

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the lead agency and Responsible Entity for
administering Housing for a Better Future Repair, Reconstruction, and Elevation Program. The
County is procuring an implementation vendor to support this program. The County will accept
applications from income qualified residents whose homes were impacted by Hurricanes Idalia,
Helene or Milton.

Program Description: Based on the evaluation of FEMA IA data and public engagement activities,
Pasco County has determined that housing repair, reconstruction and elevation is required to
address unmet needs resulting from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Additionally,
homeowners may have incurred expenses for eligible construction costs that exceeded available
assistance prior to the start of the Better Future Program, which may be eligible for reimbursement.
Pasco County anticipates that approximately 1,600 households will seek assistance to make
repairs or to reconstruct or replace their homes and approximately 500 households will seek
reimbursement. Pasco County will monitor program subscription closely to evaluate progress
against expected outcomes and ensure programs are not oversubscribed given funding limitations.
The County will use a phasing criteria established within our policies and procedures.

All newly constructed, replaced, or repaired housing units must incorporate disaster resilience
measures to provide better outcomes in a major storm. Activities funded under this program may
include:

• Repair existing structures, including substantial repair to bring the property up to local
codes and standards.
• Making energy e_iciency improvements through insulation, new windows and doors, and
other similar improvements.

86
 • Installing handicapped accessibility aids, such as grab bars and ramps.
• Repairing or replacing key components of the home - including hurricane damaged roofs,
windows, water systems, septic tanks, air conditioning, wells, windows, electrical, and
plumbing systems.
• Demolishing and re-building a unit in substantially the same manner, including elevating
homes which are substantially damaged in special flood hazard areas.
• Demolishing unsafe and blighted housing structures.
• Reimbursing eligible costs for repairing, reconstructing, or demolishing homes damaged by
a qualifying disaster.
• Residential Buyout and relocation of households in substantially damaged/destroyed
housing, particularly repetitively flooding sites, and possible redevelopment of the property
with mitigation.

All repair and reconstruction activities will comply with all applicable HUD, State, County,
and local building codes and requirements. Pasco County will define “not suitable for
repair” in the program guidelines to determine eligibility for reconstruction or replacement
assistance. Reimbursement costs must be associated with eligible activities performed prior to
application for CDBG-DR assistance and properly documented by the homeowner and/or verified
using program-approved cost estimation software. Repairs must be completed at the time of
application to qualify for reimbursement.

Pasco County understands that homeowners are in various stages of their rebuilding process and
has created a program that will assist eligible homeowners at di_erent stages of their recovery
e_orts. The County will reimburse homeowners for eligible costs for the repair, replacement, or
elevation of storm damaged homes subject to all eligibility criteria and availability of funds.

Pasco County is aware of private not-for-profit entities who leverage private sector resources to
work with impacted homeowners and provide short-term bridge loans to repair damage to
impacted homes. These organizations are familiar with CDBG-DR regulations and cross-cutting
requirements (such as duplication of benefits and environmental regulations) and can provide
assistance to help homeowners remain in their home and complete repairs quickly. Homeowners
who choose to work with these entities may be eligible for reimbursement of their short-term bridge
loans through the Housing for a Better Future Program, RRE.

In all cases, assistance is subject to meeting program eligibility requirements (such as verification
of storm damage, income qualification, ownership, etc.) and the availability of funds.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated an MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria:

For Single Family Homeowners:

• Applicants must have owned the home as a primary resident at the time of the qualifying event.
• Damage must be tied back to one of the 2023-24 hurricanes.
• Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income for LMI or at or below
120% for UN households.

87
• Property taxes and mortgage (if applicable) must be current or on a payment plan.
• The property must be a residential structure (1-4 unit owner-occupied) and located in Pasco
County. Homes in a Special Flood Hazard Area will be eligible only if they adhere to federal
flood insurance and elevation requirements.
• Homeowners will be required to maintain flood insurance if the property is in a floodplain
Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any insurance, FEMA, SBA,
or other assistance received for home repair, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately
deducted from the CDBG-DR award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements).

For Small Rental properties, landlords must demonstrate eligibility in the following areas:

• Applicant landlords must have owned the property at the time of the qualifying event.
• Damage must be tied back to one of the 2023-24 hurricanes.
• Property taxes and mortgage (if applicable) must be current or on a payment plan. Applicants
must not be in bankruptcy or foreclosure.
• The property must be a residential structure (1-4 unit) and located in Pasco County. Homes in a
SFHA will be eligible only if they adhere to federal flood insurance and elevation requirements.
• Rental unit owners will be required to maintain flood insurance if the property is in a floodplain.
• Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any insurance, FEMA, SBA,
or other assistance received for repair, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately
deducted from the CDBG-DR award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements).
• Agree to [5 year] a_ordability period for rental housing, [forgivable at X% annually] and that
owners will comply with HUD rental housing requirements (including but not limited to income
eligibility, rent levels, leasing, tenant protections, and property conditions) as detailed in the
program housing guidelines.
Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Beneficiary: The maximum total award (not including
activity delivery costs) is $330,000. The following maximum amounts for reimbursement, repair,
and reconstruction awards apply:

• Reimbursement: $75,000
• Repair: $175,000
• Reconstruction: $330,000
• Additional Cost of Elevation of Reconstructed Home: $100,000 above the Repair and
Reconstruction maximum amounts detailed above.

The program will review case-by-case exceptions to the maximum award amounts, when
necessary, to evaluate cost-reasonableness, comply with federal accessibility standards, or to
reasonably accommodate a person with disabilities.

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median
Income for LMI or at or below 120% for UN households.

Mitigation Measures: While this program will not count towards Pasco County’s mitigation set-
aside, the program will rehabilitate, replace and reconstruct homes in a manner that makes them
more resilient to future disasters. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction
88
activities where determined to be necessary and cost reasonable, in accordance with applicable
HUD guidance and local code requirements, and program goals for increased resilience.

Reducing Impediments for Assistance: The Housing for a Better Future Program is available to all
Pasco County homeowners and landlords of small residential complexes who have been impacted
by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Idalia. Intake for the program will be accessible to individuals with
disabilities and communication assistance will be provided upon request. The program will follow
its Limited English Proficiency policies. Pasco County will identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries
through evaluation of data and will implement a targeted community outreach and engagement
campaign to ensure broad program participation. All Pasco County residents will have access to
the application process and the County will seek to streamline application processes to improve
delivery. Program sta_ will be trained on program requirements and customer relations to improve
the e_iciency and e_ectiveness of the program’s delivery. By coordinating with other federal, state
and local agencies, the program will reduce impediments for assistance by coordinating resources
and avoid duplication of benefits, streamlining the process for applicants who may be eligible for
multiple types of assistance and leverage local knowledge and networks for more e_ective program
delivery.

Grantee Housing Program Number Two

Program Title: Housing for a Better Future - Manufactured Housing Replacement (MHR) Program

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: $50,000,000

Eligible Activities:

• Repair, replace, and elevate Single-Family Owner-Occupied Manufactured, Mobile, or Modular

Housing
• Reimbursement of Disaster Recovery Expenses for Homeowners
• Demolition and clearance of blighted structures
• Residential Buyout and relocation (with redevelopment allowed)

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Section
105(a)(4) (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(4)) 24 CFR 570.202 (eligible rehabilitation and preservation activities),
and applicable federal guidance, waiver, or alternative requirement. Only properties damaged by
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton are considered for eligibility

National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Housing (LMH) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(3)),
Elimination of Slum or Blight (24 CFR 570.208(b)(2), and Urgent Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR
570.208[c])

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the lead agency and Responsible Entity for
administering Housing for a Better Future Repair, Reconstruction and Elevation Program. The
County is procuring an implementation vendor to support this program. The County will accept
applications from income qualified residents whose homes were impacted by Hurricanes Idalia,
Helene or Milton.

Many low-income and Senior residents of Pasco County lived in mobile or manufactured homes
that were severely damaged or destroyed by the hurricanes. Older mobile homes, in particular,

89
proved unable to withstand the high winds and flooding – they were inundated, blown o_
foundations, or otherwise made uninhabitable. Traditional repair programs may not be cost-
e_ective for these units, and often the best solution is to replace the old mobile home with a new,
safer manufactured or modular home. The Manufactured Housing Replacement Program will
provide eligible households with a new manufactured housing unit to replace their disaster-
damaged one. This ensures those families have a secure and resilient home for the future, rather
than living in unsafe structures or being displaced.

Program Description: Based on the evaluation of FEMA IA data and community engagement,
Pasco County has determined that housing repair, replacement, and elevation is required to
address unmet needs resulting from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Additionally,
homeowners may have incurred expenses for eligible construction costs that exceeded available
assistance prior to the start of the Better Future Program. Pasco County anticipates that
approximately 450 households will seek assistance to repair or replace their mobile homes and
approximately 100 households will seek reimbursement. Pasco County will monitor program
subscription closely to evaluate progress against outcomes and ensure programs are not
oversubscribed given funding limitations

All replaced housing units must incorporate disaster resilience measures to provide better
outcomes in a major storm. Activities funded under this program may include:

Repairs to Manufactured Housing

• Making energy e_iciency improvements through insulation, new windows and doors, and
other similar improvements – as required for repair projects.
• Installing handicapped accessibility aids, such as grab bars and ramps.
• Repairing or replacing key components of the home - including hurricane damaged roofs,
windows, water systems, septic tanks, air conditioning, wells, windows, electrical, and
plumbing systems – as required for repair projects.

Replacing Manufactured Housing

• Replacing storm-damaged structures with HUD- and code-compliant MHUs, including
transport and connection to utilities.
• Demolishing and replacing units in substantially the same manner, including elevating
homes which are substantially damaged in special flood hazard areas on owned land or
relocating and replacing units on leased land.
• Demolishing unsafe and blighted housing structures
• Covering all eligible and reasonable costs including unit purchase, delivery, installation,
permits, utility reconnection, steps, skirting, and tie-downs.
• Installing handicapped accessibility aids, such as grab bars and ramps;
• Reimbursing eligible costs for rehabilitating, reconstructing, or demolishing homes
damaged by a qualifying disaster.
• Residential buyout and relocation (with redevelopment allowed).

All repair and replacement activities will comply with all applicable HUD, State, County, and local
building codes and requirements. Pasco County will define “not suitable for repair” (NSFR) in the

90
program guidelines to determine eligibility for relocation and replacement assistance.
Reimbursement costs must be associated with code-compliant activities performed prior to
application for CDBG-DR assistance and properly documented by the homeowner and/or verified
using program-approved cost estimation software. Repairs must be completed at the time of
application to qualify for reimbursement.
Pasco County understands that homeowners are in various stages of their rebuilding process and
has created a program that will assist eligible homeowners at di_erent stages of their recovery
e_orts. The County will reimburse homeowners for eligible costs for the replacement or elevation of
storm damaged homes subject to all eligibility criteria and availability of funds.
Pasco County is aware of private not-for-profit entities who leverage private sector resources to
work with impacted homeowners and provide short-term bridge loans to repair damage to
impacted homes. These organizations are familiar with CDBG-DR regulations and cross-cutting
requirements (such as duplication of benefits and environmental regulations) and can provide
assistance to help homeowners remain in their home and complete repairs quickly. Homeowners
who choose to work with these entities may be eligible for reimbursement of their short-term bridge
loans through the Housing for a Better Future Program.

In all cases, assistance is subject to meeting program eligibility requirements (such as verification
of storm damage, income qualification, ownership, etc.) and the availability of funds.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have owned the home as a primary resident at the time of the qualifying event.
• Damage must be tied back to one of the 2023-24 hurricanes.
• Eligible repairs would not exceed $35,000 per unit
• Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income
• If the applicant does not own the land (e.g. leased land in a mobile home park), the site must be
able to accept a new unit (or the program may assist with relocating the applicant to another
park or site in Pasco County). The park owner’s cooperation or a lease for the lot may be
required.
• The new unit provided will generally be of similar type/size (e.g. a single-wide or double-wide
manufactured home) as appropriate for the household and allowable on the site, up to program
cost limits. The applicant must agree to accept the replacement unit type o_ered.
• Property taxes, lot rent, and/or mortgage (as applicable) must be current or on a payment plan.
• The property must be a residential structure located in Pasco County. Homes in a Special Flood
Hazard Area will be eligible only if they adhere to federal flood insurance and elevation
requirements.
• Homeowners will be required to maintain flood insurance if the property is in a floodplain.

Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any insurance, FEMA, SBA, or
other assistance received for home repair, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately
deducted from the CDBG-DR award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After income
eligibility, prioritization will be based on federal guidance.

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Maximum Award Amount: The maximum total award (not including activity delivery costs is
$240,000. The following maximum amounts for reimbursement, repair and replacement
awards apply:

• Reimbursement: $25,000
• Repair: $30,000
• Replacement: Single-wide manufactured home $145,000
• Double-wide manufactured home $225,000

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: Household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median
Income for LMI or at or below 120% for UN households – seniors or families with children

Mitigation Measures: While this program will not count towards Pasco County’s mitigation set-
aside, the program will replace homes in a manner that makes them more resilient to future
disasters. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction activities where determined
to be necessary and cost reasonable, in accordance with applicable HUD guidance and local code
requirements, and program goals for increased resilience.

Reducing Impediments for Assistance: The Housing for a Better Future Program is available to all
Pasco County homeowners who have been impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Idalia. Intake
for the program will be accessible to individuals with disabilities and communication assistance
will be provided upon request. The program will follow its Limited English Proficiency policies.
Pasco County will identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries through evaluation of data and will
implement a targeted community outreach and engagement campaign to ensure broad program
participation. All Pasco County residents will have access to the application process and the
County will seek to streamline application processes to improve delivery. Program sta_ will be
trained on program requirements and customer relations to improve the e_iciency and
e_ectiveness of the program’s delivery. By coordinating with other federal, state and local agencies,
the program will reduce impediments for assistance by coordinating resources and avoid
duplication of benefits, streamlining the process for applicants who may be eligible for multiple
types of assistance and leverage local knowledge and networks for more e_ective program delivery.

Grantee Housing Program Number Three

Program Title: Better Future New Construction – A_ordable Housing Development

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: $100,000,000

Eligible Activities:

• Acquisition of real property

• Acquisition/redevelopment of mobile home parks
• New Construction of Single-Family Owner-Occupied Housing Units (minimum number of units
will be required per applicant)
• New construction of Rental Housing Units (1-4 units and 5 or more units)
• Disposition of real property acquired

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• Demolition and clearance of blighted structures
• Residential Buyout and Commercial Buyout relocation (with redevelopment allowed)

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Sections
105(a)(1), 105(a)(4), and 105(a)(7), 24 CFR 570.201 and 24 CFR 570.202, and applicable federal
guidance, waiver, or alternative requirement. Only properties damaged by Hurricanes Idalia,
Helene, and Milton are considered for eligibility.

Connection to Unmet Needs: Pasco County has been experiencing an a_ordable housing crisis
with a deficit of nearly 36,000 units for those at 80% or below the Area Median Income. Hurricanes
Idalia, Helene, and Milton caused widespread damage to housing, displacing thousands of
residents. About 77.3% of households are owner-occupied, and 22.7% of Pasco’s households are
renters. Homeowners impacted by the storms face a significant challenge in rebuilding their homes
with updated building codes and elevation requirements, Although the percentage of renters is less
than homeowners, challenges remain for this population. Renters forced out of unlivable units
struggled to find alternate a_ordable housing in an already tight rental market. Many do not have
contents insurance and landlords are slow to respond to repairs and refunds of deposits,

National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Housing (LMH) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(3)

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the responsible entity (RE) assuming the
authority for the decision making and completion of the environmental review per 24 CFR 58.4.
Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources is the lead agency for administering the New
Construction – A_ordable Owner-Occupied and Rental Housing Units. The County is procuring an
implementation vendor to support this program. The County will issue a competitive Notice of
Funding Availability (NOFA) or similar solicitation for proposals from qualified developers and/or
non-profits to carry out specific housing projects. The distribution model is competitive and
project-based: funds are awarded to projects that meet program criteria and can execute timely. If
needed, the County may also directly procure a development partner or manage construction itself.

Program Description: This program addresses the situation where repairing existing homes alone
is not su_icient to meet housing recovery needs. In Pasco County, the hurricanes not only damaged
individual homes but also exacerbated an already tight housing market by displacing families and
reducing the stock of habitable, a_ordable units. Some neighborhoods saw extensive destruction
where entire homes (especially older ones or mobile homes) were wiped out. Additionally, even
before the storms, Pasco faced shortages of a_ordable housing; the disasters intensified that
shortage by driving up demand and costs for the remaining units. The New Construction Program is
a forward-looking recovery strategy: it will create new a_ordable housing – both for homeowners
and renters – to replace what was lost, provided much needed housing supply for LMI households,
and ensure that low-income survivors have viable housing options rather than being permanently
displaced.

Examples of what this program will do include:

• Building a new small subdivision of single-family homes or infill housing on scattered sites
on vacant or acquired land with reduced flood risk for households particularly those whose
previous homes (perhaps in a floodplain) were destroyed and or bought out.

93
 • Acquiring newly built housing in reduced flood risk areas for sale to or rent by LMI
households.
• Acquiring a mobile home park flooded out by the hurricanes and redeveloping the property
with sustainable and wind resistant modular or innovative a_ordable housing.
• Residential Buyout and relocation of households in substantially damaged/destroyed
housing and redevelopment of the property with mitigation.
• Constructing new multifamily rental housing units in reduced flood risk areas.
• Partnering with a non-profit organization to build a_ordable housing that will be sold to
eligible LMI families who had been renting and are burdened by increased housing costs.

This program also helps deconcentrate risk: if certain high-risk areas (like repetitive flood zones) are
being depopulated as a result of recent disasters, new housing can be built in lower-risk areas,
reducing future disaster exposure for those residents – aligning with Pasco Better Future and
mitigation goals.

From an economic standpoint, constructing new housing also stimulates the local economy and
creates construction jobs, contributing to overall recovery. Our main metric for success is providing
safe, a_ordable homes for people who would otherwise struggle to find a place to live in Pasco’s
post-disaster housing market.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria:

Eligible applicants to receive funding under this program (for the purpose of carrying out a project)
include non-profit housing developers, for-profit developers, local public housing authorities, or
other entities with capacity to construct housing. These partners will apply to develop specific
housing units benefiting the target population.
• Eligible Developers: The County will vet participating developers for capacity and
experience in delivering a_ordable housing. Developers must be in good standing (no
debarments, etc.) and able to comply with federal requirements (Davis-Bacon labor
standards for projects with 8+ units, Section 3 economic opportunities for low-income
persons, etc.).
• Project Feasibility: Proposed projects must have a feasible development plan, including a
realistic budget, timeline, and (for rentals) an operating pro forma demonstrating financial
viability with a_ordable rents. The program will not fully fund large projects alone;
developers should leverage other funding (LIHTC, private financing, insurance proceeds if
rebuilding an asset, etc.) where possible. CDBG-DR will fill the gap to achieve the
a_ordability or to cover storm-related added costs. Each project will undergo underwriting
to ensure the amount of CDBG-DR award is cost-reasonable.
• Disaster Tie-Back: Developers must show how the project addresses an unmet disaster-
related housing need.
• A_ordability Commitments: Rental projects will be required to maintain a_ordability
depending on the project and investment and detailed in the county’s housing guidelines.
A_ordability will be imposed by a deed restriction, a covenant running with the land, an

94
 agreement restricting the use of the property, or other mechanisms approved by HUD and
must give the grantee or recipient the right to require specific performance (except that the
grantee may provide that the a_ordability restrictions may terminate upon foreclosure or
transfer in lieu of foreclosure). Compliance will be monitored via annual reports on tenant
incomes and rents. For ownership, the buyers must be income-eligible at purchase.
• Beneficiary Selection: Homeownership units will be marketed to income-eligible
households, with a preference likely given to households a_ected by the storms (e.g.,
people who lost their prior homes or were renters displaced by a qualifying event). Buyers
will be required to complete homebuyer education. Rental project will follow HUD rental
housing requirements as detailed in the county’s housing guidelines.
• Timing and Capacity to Proceed: Since CDBG-DR funds have expenditure deadlines,
preference goes to “shovel-ready” or quickly actionable projects. Developers who already
have site control (own or have an agreement on the land) and at least preliminary plans and
zoning will be favored over very conceptual ideas.
• Compliance with Uniform Relocation Act (URA): If the project involves acquiring property
with existing occupants (or businesses) to demolish and rebuild housing, URA requirements
for notice and relocation assistance apply.
Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any insurance, FEMA, SBA, or
other assistance received for home repair, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately
deducted from the CDBG-DR award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After income
eligibility, prioritization will be based on federal guidance.

Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Project: The total amount awarded to one
more subrecipients will be dependent on the service being provided - subject
to assessment of cost-reasonableness.
The program will review case-by-case exceptions to the maximum award amounts, when
necessary, to comply with federal accessibility standards or to reasonably accommodate a person
with disabilities.

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: For owner-occupied units, homebuyers will be LMI (≤80% AMI at
purchase). For rental developments, at least 51% of the units will be restricted to LMI households at
a_ordable rents.

The County anticipates ensuring that 100% of CDBG-DR–assisted units meet the LMI benefit in
most projects (with any non-LMI units possibly financed by other sources). If mixed-income
developments are pursued, CDBG-DR funds will only pay for the proportion of units that are LMI-
restricted. The primary objective is to expand a_ordable housing for LMI residents, so the LMH
national objective will be the guiding criterion.

Mitigation Measures: While this program will not count towards Pasco County’s mitigation set-
aside, the program will newly construct homes in a manner that makes them more resilient to
future disasters. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction activities where

95
determined to be necessary and cost reasonable, in accordance with applicable HUD guidance
and local code requirements, and program goals for increased resilience.

Reducing Impediments for Assistance: This new construction program will involve multiple
stakeholders (including homeowners, renters, and developers), and the County will take steps to
ensure that low-income households can access the housing produced. Intake for the program will
be accessible to individuals with disabilities and communication assistance will be provided upon
request. The program will follow its Limited English Proficiency policies. Pasco County will identify
potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries through evaluation of data and will implement a targeted
community outreach and engagement campaign to ensure broad program participation. The
County will seek to streamline application processes through its program provider to improve
delivery. Program and housing management sta_ will be trained on program requirements and
customer relations to improve the e_iciency and e_ectiveness of the program’s delivery. By
coordinating with other federal, state and local agencies, the program will leverage local knowledge
and networks for more e_ective program delivery.

Infrastructure
Infrastructure Programs Overview
Table 6: Grantee Infrastructure Programs Overview

Eligible Cost % of CDBG-DR Allocation for LMI

CDBG-DR Allocation Amount
Category Benefit
Infrastructure
Program Number $100,022,800 17%
One
Infrastructure
Program Number 30,000,000 5%
Two
Infrastructure
$130,022,800 22%
Program Total:

Grantee Infrastructure Program Number One

Program Title: Critical Infrastructure Resilience Program

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: 104,000,000

Eligible Activities:

• Acquisition of Real Property

• Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
• Clearance, Demolition, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction of Publicly Owned Buildings

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Sections
105(a)(1), 105(a)(2), 105(a)(4), 105(a)(14), and 105(a)(16), 24 CFR 570.201 and 24 CFR 570.202, and
applicable federal guidance, waiver, or alternative requirement. Only properties damaged by or
failed to function due to Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton are considered for eligibility.
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National Objective Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit (LMA) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(1); Limited
Clientele (LMC) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)); Urgent Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR 570.208[c])

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the responsible entity (RE) assuming the
authority for decision-making and completion of the environmental review per 24 CFR 58.4, as
applicable. Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources will administer the Critical
Infrastructure Program, along with an implementation vendor, by selecting projects through a
competitive process. Pasco County will solicit proposals for infrastructure projects from eligible
entities, which include County departments and city governments in Pasco.
Program Description: The Critical Infrastructure Program will fund the restoration and
strengthening of key infrastructure systems that were damaged or stressed/failed to function by
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. Typical projects under this program may include:

• Road repairs – fixing washouts, repaving roads damaged by debris removal equipment or
floodwater, and repairing structures impacted by debris.
• Stormwater management projects are a high priority – for instance, replacing undersized
culverts with larger ones, constructing new retention ponds or enlarging existing ones in
neighborhoods that experienced severe flooding, dredging, and upgrading drainage pump
stations with higher capacity pumps.
• Water and wastewater facilities that su_ered damage or loss of function (perhaps a sewer
lift station that was inundated, or water treatment components that lost power) will be
rehabilitated and protected (e.g., elevating electrical controls, adding backup power).
• The program may also fund power resilience improvements for critical infrastructure, such
as installing backup generators at key intersections (for tra_ic lights) or utility plants,
especially where power outages from the storms caused cascading issues.

This program will coordinate with other funding sources (FEMA Public Assistance, insurance, state
funds) to ensure no duplication. CDBG-DR will fill gaps and cover improvements that those sources
might not fund. By focusing on critical infrastructure, the program targets those systems that are
essential for public safety, health, and overall function of the community.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria Eligible units of local government or other public entities applicants will
apply to repair, reconstruct, or construct critical infrastructure benefiting the County’s target
population. Eligibility criteria include:
• Public ownership: The infrastructure or facility to be assisted must be publicly owned (by
Pasco County, a city, or a public district) or a public service infrastructure
• Disaster impact documentation: Each project must have documentation of how it
addresses damage or impact from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton.
• Environmental and permitting feasibility: Projects will be evaluated for feasibility – for
example, any large-scale infrastructure project will need to pass environmental review
(NEPA) and receive necessary permits. The program will prioritize “shovel-ready” or at least
well-defined projects that can be started within a reasonable time.

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 • Consistency with existing plans: Projects should be consistent with local and regional plans
(e.g., Local Mitigation Strategy, capital improvement plans, comprehensive plan). This
ensures that CDBG-DR funds reinforce planned recovery and mitigation e_orts
• Coordination and non-duplication: If a project has received other federal or state funding
(e.g., FEMA PA repair funds), CDBG-DR will only fund the enhancement portion or unmet
need portion. Each project must provide information on any other funds available.
• Benefit to LMI or urgent community need: Ideally, projects will be selected that benefit
primarily LMI populations or meet an urgent need. The County may use scoring criteria that
favors projects in LMI communities or critical facilities that serve vulnerable populations.
• Maintenance commitment: The local agency responsible for the infrastructure must
commit to maintain the improvements after completion.

Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any leveraged funding or other
duplicative benefits, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately deducted from the CDBG-DR
award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After national objective eligibility, prioritization will
be based on federal guidance.

Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Beneficiary: The total amount awarded to one more
subrecipients will be dependent on the service being provided - subject to assessment of cost-
reasonableness.

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: N/A

Mitigation Measures: Critical infrastructure projects will be conducted in a manner that makes
them more resilient to future disasters. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction
activities where determined to be necessary and cost-reasonable, in accordance with applicable
HUD guidance and local code requirements, and program goals for increased resilience

Reducing Impediments for Assistance: The Critical Infrastructure Program is available to assist
infrastructure that has been impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Milton. The Program will
enhance access to disaster risk reduction resources for communities vulnerable to hazards by
promoting community-driven approaches to new investments in infrastructure. Pasco County will
identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries through evaluation of data and will implement a targeted
community outreach and engagement campaign to ensure broad program participation. All eligible
entities will have access to the application process.

Grantee Infrastructure Program Number Two

Program Title: Public Facilities Program

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: $26,000,000

Eligible Activity(ies):

• Acquisition of Real Property

98
 • Public Facilities including but not limited to community centers, emergency shelters,
transitional housing and Improvements
• Clearance, Demolition, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction of Buildings

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Sections
105(a)(1), 105(a)(2), 105(a)(4), 105(a)(14), and 105(a)(16), 24 CFR 570.201 and 24 CFR 570.202, and
applicable federal guidance, waiver, or alternative requirement. Only properties damaged by
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton are considered for eligibility.

National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit (LMA) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(1); Limited
Clientele (LMC) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(2)); Urgent Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR 570.208[c])

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the responsible entity (RE) assuming the
authority for decision-making and completion of the environmental review per 24 CFR 58.4, as
applicable. Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources will administer the Public
Facilities, along with an implementation vendor, by selecting projects through a competitive
process. Pasco County will solicit proposals for public facility projects from eligible entities, which
include County departments, city governments in Pasco, and possibly non-profit organizations that
operate public facilities. The process will be similar to the Critical Infrastructure Program’s
competitive process.
Program Description: The Public Facilities Program recognizes that community recovery is not just
about homes and roads, but also about the places where people gather, receive services, and
obtain help. Hurricanes Helene and Milton disrupted many of these facilities: for instance, some
neighborhood community centers and parks were used for emergency response and then found to
be damaged; some fire/rescue stations had flooding that ruined equipment; a public clinic may
have experienced roof damage that forced it to relocate temporarily. These damages can strain the
recovery by limiting access to services (like a closed library meaning students have nowhere for
after-school programs, etc.). This program will restore those public facilities to full function and
correct any failure by the facility to function at full operations.
This program will coordinate with other funding sources (e.g., FEMA Public Assistance, insurance,
state funds, etc.) to ensure no duplication. CDBG-DR will fill gaps and cover improvements that
those sources might not fund. This Program will target public facilities that are essential for public
safety, health, and overall function of the community.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants (units of local government or other public entities,
non-profit, institutional) will apply to repair, reconstruct, or construct public facilities benefiting the
County’s target population. Eligibility criteria include:
• Public Use: The facility must be open to the general public or a specific segment of the
public.
• Disaster impact documentation: Each project must have documentation of how it
addresses damage or impact from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton.

99
 • Environmental and permitting feasibility: Projects will be evaluated for feasibility – for
example, any large-scale infrastructure project will need to pass environmental review
(NEPA) and receive necessary permits. The program will prioritize “shovel-ready” or at least
well-defined projects that can be started within a reasonable time.
• Consistency with existing plans: Projects should be consistent with local and regional plans
(e.g., Local Mitigation Strategy, capital improvement plans, comprehensive plan). This
ensures that CDBG-DR funds reinforce planned recovery and mitigation e_orts.
• Coordination and non-duplication: If a project has received other federal or state funding
(e.g., FEMA PA repair funds), CDBG-DR will only fund the enhancement portion or unmet
need portion. Each project must provide information on any other funds available.
• Benefit to LMI or urgent community need: Ideally, projects will be selected that benefit
primarily LMI populations or meet an urgent need. The County may use scoring criteria that
favors projects in LMI communities or critical facilities that serve vulnerable populations.
• Capacity for completion: For non-County subrecipients, an eligibility factor is capacity – the
entity must demonstrate it can properly manage a construction project in accordance with
federal requirements or partner with the County to do so. The County might provide
technical support, but if an entity is extremely limited in capacity, the County may directly
manage the project on their behalf to ensure timely completion.
• Maintenance commitment: The local agency responsible for the infrastructure must
commit to maintain the improvements after completion.

Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any leveraged funding or other
duplicative benefits, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately deducted from the CDBG-DR
award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After national objective eligibility, prioritization will
be based on federal guidance.

Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Project: The total amount awarded to one more
subrecipients will be dependent on the service being provided - subject to assessment of cost-
reasonableness.

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: N/A

Mitigation Measures: Public facility projects will be conducted in a manner that makes them more
resilient to future disasters. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction activities
where determined to be necessary and cost-reasonable, in accordance with applicable HUD
guidance and local code requirements, and program goals for increased resilience.

Reducing Impediments for Assistance: The Public Facilities Program is available to assist
facilities that have been impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or Milton. The Program will
enhance access to disaster risk reduction resources for communities vulnerable to hazards by
promoting community-driven approaches to new investments in infrastructure. Pasco County will
identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries through evaluation of data and will implement a targeted
community outreach and engagement campaign to ensure broad program participation. All eligible
entities will have access to the application process.

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Economic Revitalization
Economic Revitalization Programs Overview
Table 7: Grantee Economic Revitalization Programs Overview

Eligible Cost % of CDBG-DR Allocation for LMI

CDBG-DR Allocation Amount
Category Benefit
Economic
Revitalization
$25,000,000 4%
Program Number
One
Economic
Revitalization $25,000,000 4%
Program Total:

Grantee Economic Revitalization Program Number One

Program Title: Small Business and Non-Profit Recovery Program

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: 25,000,000

Eligible Activity(ies):

• Economic Development Assistance to For-Profit Businesses and not for-profits

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Sections
105(a)(17) and 105(a)(22), 24 CFR 570.203, and applicable federal guidance, waiver, or alternative
requirement. Only businesses impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton are considered
for eligibility.

National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit (LMA) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(1); Low-
and Moderate-Income Jobs (LMJ) 24 CFR 570.208 (a)(4) and FR-6489- N-01 III.d.7(b) and (c); Urgent
Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR 570.208[c]); Elimination of Slum and Blight (24 CFR 570.208 (b)).

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the responsible entity (RE) assuming the
authority for the decision making and completion of the environmental review per 24 CFR 58.4, as
applicable. Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources will administer the Small
Business Recovery Program and procure an implementation vendor and together will issue a
Request for Applications from non-profits, and for-profit entities.
Program Description: After the hurricanes, many local businesses and non-profits, especially
small and family-owned establishments, have faced challenges. Physical damages (flooded
storefronts, wind-damaged signage and inventory loss from power outages) combined with
downtime (weeks or months of closure) put these businesses at risk of permanent closure. While
some received insurance payouts or SBA disaster loans, others did not qualify or found those
sources insu_icient. The Small Business Recovery Program will provide critical financial relief to
bridge these gaps, ensuring that disaster-impacted businesses can get back on their feet. Funding
can also be used to repair or replace structures of the business, By infusing capital for key expenses

101
and repairs, the program helps businesses reopen faster or stay open, preserving local jobs and the
vitality of commercial corridors. Direct assistance as grants or loans, to small businesses impacted
by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, to enable them to recover, reopen, and retain or create jobs.
Forms of assistance and eligible uses of funds may include:

• Grants or Forgivable Loans for Working Capital: Providing funds to cover operating expenses
during the recovery period – e.g. rent, payroll, utilities, and other costs that the business
struggles to pay due to disaster-related revenue loss.
• Machinery and Equipment: Purchasing new equipment to replace disaster-damaged
equipment, or even to upgrade to more resilient equipment if appropriate.
• Replacement of Inventory and Supplies: The program can help finance the restocking of lost
inventory essential for the business to resume operations.
• Repairs of physical damages to business locations.
• Technical Assistance related to recovery: Though primarily a grant program, the County may
also o_er technical support like financial counseling, assistance with developing a recovery
plan, or navigating insurance/SBA processes.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants will apply to repair, reconstruct, or construct their
small business benefiting the County’s target business population. Eligibility criteria include:
• Small businesses must meet all established eligibility criteria, as established in program
policies and procedures.
• Disaster impact documentation: Applicants must demonstrate physical damage to assets
or significant economic injury directly caused by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton.
• Commitment to Retain/Create Jobs: Applicants must be able to retain or rehire their
employees (or add new ones) as a result of the assistance. This will be formalized by
agreement. If a business had to lay o_ sta_ post-storm, it should detail how the grant will
enable re-sta_ing.
• Good Standing: Applicants should have been in operation prior to the qualifying disaster
and intend to continue operations. It should also be in good standing with the County and
State. We may exclude businesses with delinquent taxes or serious legal issues.

Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any leveraged funding or other
duplicative benefits, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately deducted from the CDBG-DR
award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After national objective eligibility, prioritization will
be based on federal guidance.

Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Beneficiary: The total amount awarded to one more
subrecipients will be dependent on the service being provided.

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: N/A

Mitigation Measures: Small business recovery projects will be conducted in a manner that makes
them more resilient to future disasters. Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction

102
activities where determined to be necessary and cost reasonable, in accordance with applicable
HUD guidance and local code requirements, and program goals for increased resilience.

Reducing Impediments for Assistance: This program will assist small businesses impacted by
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Idalia. Intake for the program will be accessible to individuals with
disabilities and communication assistance will be provided upon request. The program will follow
its Limited English Proficiency policies. Pasco County will identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries
through evaluation of data and will implement a targeted community outreach and engagement
campaign to ensure broad program participation. All eligible entities will have access to the
application process, and reasonable e_orts will be made to ensure access to eligible beneficiaries
of CDBG-DR funded public service programs. Program sta_ will be trained on program
requirements and customer relations to improve the e_iciency and e_ectiveness of the program’s
delivery. By coordinating with other federal, state and local agencies, the program will reduce
impediments for assistance by coordinating resources and avoid duplication of benefits,
streamlining the process for applicants who may be eligible for multiple types of assistance and
leverage local knowledge and networks for more e_ective program delivery.

Public Services
Public Services Programs Overview
Table 8: Grantee Public Services Programs Overview

Is this
Program
Exempt
Eligible Cost % of CDBG-DR Allocation for LMI from the
CDBG-DR Allocation Amount
Category Benefit 15%
Public
Service
Cap?
Public Services
Program Number $10,000,000 2% No
One
Public Services
$10,000,000 2% No
Program Total:

Grantee Public Services Program Number One

Program Title: Public Services Program

Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: $10,000,000

Eligible Activities:

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 • Public Services
• Special activities by Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs)

All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Sections
105(a)(8), 105(a)(14), and 105(a)(15), 24 CFR 570.201 and 24 CFR 570.204, and applicable federal
guidance, waiver, or alternative requirement.

National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit (LMA) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(1); Low-
and Moderate-Income Jobs (LMJ) 24 CFR 570.208 (a)(4) and FR-6489- N-01 III.d.7(b) and (c); Limited
Clientele (LMC) 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2); Urgent Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR 570.208[c]);
Elimination of Slum and Blight (24 CFR 570.208 (b)).

Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the responsible entity (RE) assuming the
authority for decision making. Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources will
administer Public Services Program and may procure an implementation vendor. Projects will be
selected through a competitive process. The County will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) or
NOFA detailing the program’s scope and inviting submissions of project applications. Each
proposal must describe the public service project proposed, the population served, and funding
needed.
Once projects are selected, the County will enter into subrecipient agreements or inter-local
agreements with the entity responsible for the project to carry it out. Agreements will outline the
scope, budget, schedule, and federal compliance requirements (such as procurement, labor
standards, environmental review, etc.). The County will monitor project progress and compliance.
All activities are subject to HUD approval and must undergo environmental review and receive
clearance before construction begins.
Program Description: The County’s Public Services Program is designed to meet the human
recovery needs that go beyond rebuilding physical structures. After the hurricanes, many Pasco
County residents have faced challenges such as displacement, unemployment, physical and
mental health strains, and bureaucratic hurdles in getting assistance. This program will provide
crucial services to help individuals and families navigate the recovery process and rebuild their
lives. By addressing these needs, we ensure that the recovery is comprehensive. Key components
of the program may include:

• Case Management and Navigation Services: Many residents and families need personalized
help to connect them with resources for housing, employment, and financial assistance.
• Housing Counseling and Relocation Assistance: With many homes damaged, some
residents and families have to find new permanent housing or deal with landlord-tenant
issues. Some households chose to purchase a home and need Post Purchase Counseling.
• Financial Literacy and management– Many of our seniors and those with disabilities lost
their homes and all their belongings. Special needs populations need help in how to recover
from these disasters and how to manage funds going forward.
• Homeless Services and Housing – Those experiencing homelessness lost encampments,
vehicles, documentation in the storms and need outreach, housing navigation and
stabilization services to recover.

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 • Legal Services: Disasters often lead to legal problems for survivors: insurance claim
denials, contractor fraud or disputes, title issues, landlord-tenant, and replacement of lost
documentation.
• Health and Mental Health Services: Disasters take a toll on physical and mental health. The
program will fund counseling services, such as community-based trauma counseling,
support groups, or school-based mental health programs in a_ected areas.
• Employment and Financial Recovery Services: Many people lost income during and after
the storms – including businesses that closed, work hours that were cut, and jobs that were
eliminated. The program can provide targeted workforce development such as short-term
job training or re-training for those whose jobs may not return. It can also assist with
supportive functions such as childcare as persons work to find employment or training.
• Food Security and Basic Needs Assistance: In the wake of the hurricanes, some areas might
have struggled with access to food or other essentials. While immediate disaster feeding is
often covered by charities and FEMA in early phases, longer-term food insecurity can persist
if incomes are reduced.

In implementing these components, the Public Services Program will remain flexible, adjusting
o_erings as needs evolve. Pasco County will coordinate closely with FEMA and other disaster case
management programs to complement, not duplicate, their e_orts. Our local non-profits often
continue where FEMA leaves o_, so CDBG-DR can fund that continuity.

Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.

Other Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants will apply to repair, reconstruct, or construct critical
infrastructure benefiting the County’s target population. Eligibility criteria include:
• Non-profits, institutional, and governmental providers must meet all established eligibility
criteria, as established in program policies and procedures.
• Operational Documentation: Entities must have been operational during one of the
qualifying events (Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and/or Milton) and must currently be
operational or demonstrate ability to open and expand operations upon receiving CDBG-DR
assistance.
• Consistency with existing plans: Projects should be consistent with local and regional plans
(e.g., Local Mitigation Strategy, comprehensive plan). This ensures that CDBG-DR funds
reinforce planned recovery and mitigation e_orts.
• Coordination and non-duplication: If a project has received other federal or state funding
CDBG-DR will only fund the enhancement portion or unmet need portion. Each project
must provide information on any other funds available.
• Benefit to LMI or urgent community need: Ideally, projects will be selected that benefit
primarily LMI populations or meet an urgent need. The County may use scoring criteria that
favors projects in LMI communities or critical facilities that serve vulnerable populations.

Participants in the program must also comply with basic requirements of each service, as
established in program policies and procedures. Criteria will be clearly communicated by
providers. Duplication of benefits will be reviewed: Applicants must disclose any leveraged funding

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or other duplicative benefits, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately deducted from the
CDBG-DR award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After national objective eligibility,
prioritization will be based on federal guidance.

Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Beneficiary: The total amount awarded to one more
subrecipients will be dependent on the service being provided.

Maximum Income of Beneficiary: N/A

Mitigation Measures: The provision of public services is intended to address the

continuing unmet and exacerbated need caused by multiple disasters. However, access to these
services is intended to provide residents with the tools necessary to better prepare for future
disasters
Reducing Impediments for Assistance: This program will assist public services impacted by
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Idalia. Intake for the projects will be required to be accessible to
individuals with disabilities and communication assistance will be provided upon request. The
program and its funded projects will follow its Limited English Proficiency policies. Pasco County
will identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries through evaluation of data and will implement a
targeted community outreach and engagement campaign to ensure broad program participation.
All eligible entities will have access to the application process, and reasonable e_orts will be made
to ensure access to eligible beneficiaries of CDBG-DR funded public service programs. Project sta_
will be trained on program requirements and customer relations to improve the e_iciency and
e_ectiveness of the program’s delivery. By coordinating with other federal, state and local agencies,
the program will reduce impediments for assistance by coordinating resources and avoid
duplication of benefits, streamlining the process for applicants who may be eligible for multiple
types of assistance and leverage local knowledge and networks for more e_ective program delivery.

CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside

CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside Programs Overview
Table 9: Grantee CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside Programs Overview

Does this
Program
Eligible Cost CDBG-DR Mitigation Set % of CDBG-DR Allocation for LMI have tie
Category Aside Allocation Amount Benefit back to
the
disaster?
CDBG-DR Mitigation
Set-Aside
Standalone $76,396,000 13% No
Program Number
One
Total: $76,396,000 13%

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Grantee CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside Program Number One
Program Title: Better Future Match and Mitigation Program
Amount of CDBG-DR Funds Allocated to this Program: $76,396,000
Eligible Activities:
• Acquisition of Real Property
• Public Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements
• Clearance, Demolition, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction of Buildings
• Payment of Non-Federal Share
All activities are authorized under the Housing and Community Development Act (HCDA) Sections
105(a)(1), 105(a)(2), 105(a)(4), 105(a)(9), 105(a)(14), and 105(a)(16), 24 CFR 570.201 and 24 CFR
570.202, and applicable federal guidance, waiver, or alternative requirement. Only properties
damaged by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton are considered for eligibility.
National Objective: Low- and Moderate-Income Area Benefit (LMA) (24 CFR 570.208(a)(1); Limited
Clientele (LMC) 24 CFR 570.208(a)(2); Urgent Need (FR-6489-N-01 and 24 CFR 570.208[c]);
Elimination of Slum and Blight (24 CFR 570.208 (b)).
Lead Agency and Distribution Model: Pasco County is the responsible entity (RE) assuming the
authority for the decision making and completion of the environmental review per 24 CFR 58.4, as
applicable. Pasco County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources will administer the Local Match
and Mitigation Program along with an implementation vendor. Matching grants for CDBG-DR
eligible activities that have been awarded by an eligible federal agency (FEMA, USDA, USACE, or
FHWA) will be requested through an online application form available to eligible applicants.
Mitigation funding for Critical Infrastructures and Public Facilities will be available through a
competitive process similar to Infrastructure Programs One and Two, excluding disaster tie-back
requirements.
Program Description: This program provides funding to address unmet infrastructure/public
facilities and mitigation needs arising from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton. It is designed to
leverage and supplement other disaster recovery funds by providing the required non-federal match
(cost share) for federally funded recovery and mitigation projects, and by funding additional
mitigation investments in critical public assets. As authorized by the Housing and Community
Development Act (HCDA) and HUD’s CDBG-DR rules, CDBG-DR funds may be used to satisfy a
match requirement, share, or contribution to other federal programs when carrying out an eligible
activity. Accordingly, Pasco County’s Non-Federal Match and Mitigation Program will utilize CDBG-
DR funds to meet the local cost-share requirements FEMA Public Assistance (PA), FEMA Hazard
Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), and other projects related to Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, or
Milton. This ensures that vital infrastructure and public facility recovery projects are not stalled due
to local matching fund constraints, accelerating repairs and strengthening resilience.
In addition to match funding, the program will finance stand-alone mitigation projects for critical
infrastructure and public facilities that address vulnerabilities to current and future risks.
Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton in 2024 caused severe wind, tornado, and flood (storm surge)
damage in Pasco County, impacting roads, utilities, water/wastewater systems, public buildings,
emergency services facilities, and other key assets. Significant unmet needs remain in the

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aftermath of these storms, including needs for improved stormwater management, flood control
structures, hardened emergency facilities, and other measures to protect against future similar
events. By investing in infrastructure improvements and hazard mitigation measures, the program
will reduce future disaster risks and enhance the resilience of these services in Pasco County.
Eligible Geographic Areas: Pasco County, FL has been designated a MID area.
Other Eligibility Criteria: Eligible applicants are units of local government or other public entities
within Pasco County that are implementing recovery or mitigation projects tied to Hurricanes Idalia,
Helene, and/or Milton. Applicants must provide documentation of either:
1. A FEMA PA project, FEMA HMGP project, or other project awarded for the disaster that
requires a non-federal cost share; or
2. A critical infrastructure/public facility mitigation project addressing a current or future risk.
Additional eligibility criteria include:
1. Projects must align with existing mitigation and long-term recovery plans (e.g., Local
Mitigation Strategy and Comprehensive Plan).
2. As described in FR-6489-N-01, activities funded by additional mitigation funds do not
require such a ‘‘tie-back’’ to the specific qualified disaster that has served as the basis for
the grantee’s allocation. Activities funded under this program will (a) meet the definition of
mitigation activities; (b) address the current and future risks as identified in the grantee’s
mitigation needs assessment in the MID areas; (c) be CDBG-eligible activities under title I of
the HCDA or otherwise eligible pursuant to a waiver or alternative requirement; and (d)
meet a national objective.
Duplication of benefits will be reviewed to determine remaining: Applicants must disclose any
leveraged funding or other duplicative benefits, and any duplicative funds must be appropriately
deducted from the CDBG-DR award (per Sta_ord Act and HUD requirements). After national
objective eligibility, prioritization will be based on federal guidance.
Maximum Amount of Assistance Per Beneficiary: The total amount awarded to one more
subrecipients will be dependent on the service being provided. Match awards may not exceed the
total calculated non-federal share amount.
Maximum Income of Beneficiary: N/A
Mitigation Measures: This program will count 100% toward the CDBG-DR Mitigation Set-Aside. All
funds allocated are dedicated to eligible mitigation activities that reduce future disaster risks,
thereby satisfying HUD’s requirement to spend a specified portion of the grant on mitigation.
Mitigation measures will be incorporated into construction activities where determined to be
necessary and cost reasonable, in accordance with applicable HUD guidance and local code
requirements, and program goals for increased resilience.
Reducing Impediments for Assistance: This program will assist projects, infrastructure, and
facilities either impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Helene or Milton or vulnerable to current and future
risks. Pasco County will identify potential CDBG-DR beneficiaries through evaluation of data and
will implement a targeted community outreach and engagement campaign – including other
County o_ices and local municipalities - to ensure broad program participation. The County will
inform the prospective subrecipients that CDBG-DR match funding is available and the process is

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to secure it. All eligible entities will have access to the application process, and reasonable e_orts
will be made to ensure access to eligible beneficiaries of CDBG-DR funded public service
programs.

General Information
Citizen Participation
Pasco County is committed to delivering robust community outreach to e_ectively inform, engage,
and empower stakeholders and residents of Pasco County throughout the Community
Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery
(CDBG-DR) process. The result is an action plan
that is community-driven, engaging input from
our residents – including low-and moderate-
income individuals and communities in a variety
of ways. Our plan follows HUD’s citizen
participation requirements (24 CFR 91.105) and
follows the County’s approved Community
Development Citizen Participation Plan
approved by the Board of County
Commissioners on March 9, 2021.

During March, April, and May 2025, Pasco FIGURE 32: SENIOR FAIR IN NEW PORT RICHEY
County actively sought public input on how to
use the disaster recovery funds allocated to our community. The County used multiple outreach
methods to gather ideas and feedback on recovery needs and priorities. Residents could weigh in
through hands-on activities at community events, an in-depth online survey, and a series of town
hall meetings. This multifaceted approach ensured that people from di_erent backgrounds and
areas had a chance to voice their needs and preferences.

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Community Engagement Meetings
Between April 5 and May 8, 2025, Pasco County hosted or
attended a total of nine community engagement events where
residents and stakeholders could participate in a “Pasco Money”
input activity. Through the “Pasco Money” activity, attendees
were given five colored chips, each representing $1 million, to
allocate across six program areas: Housing, Infrastructure,
Economic Revitalization, Public Services, Mitigation, and
Planning. The chip color reflected stakeholder type: orange
(homeowners), blue (renters), green (businesses), and pink
(other stakeholders). The goal of this activity was to learn more
about CDBG-DR program areas that community members are
motivated to fund for our upcoming Better Future program to
recover from 2023-2024 storms (Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and
Milton).
FIGURE 33: TOWN HALL AT MOORE-MICKENS
EDUCATION CENTER IN DADE CITY
What We Learned
In order of preference, the top three funding
priorities across these workshops were
Housing, Infrastructure, and Public Services.
Housing and Infrastructure consistently
emerged as the top choices for participants
who were homeowners. Renters also highly
prioritized Housing, but their second-most
selected category was Public Services -
indicating the importance of services like
healthcare, senior assistance, and other
FIGURE 34: COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN IN WESLEY CHAPEL
community support to renters. Figure 36
demonstrates the breakdown of total funding across each funding area at all events.

110
 These combined results told us that both
Housing homeowners and renters see Housing as the
9% most critical need. Infrastructure was
11% 28% Infrastructure
especially important to homeowners, while
Economic renters placed slightly more emphasis on
15% Revitalization
Public community services. This exercise gave the
Services County a snapshot of what local residents
11% 26% Mitigation
value most for recovery spending. The
Planning following graph, Figure 35, displays the
rankings for each program area funded at
each of our community events – including
FIGURE 35: JAR GAME RESULTS (FUNDING BY PROGRAM AREA ) town halls (discussed further below).

MONTHLY
JBH REC HARBORS HUDSON MOORE- CONTINUUM BUSINESS
SAFETY TOWN CENTER SOUTH LIBRARY MICKENS SENIOR FAIR OF CARE CSW BREAKFAST

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Housing Infrastructure Economic Revitalization Public Services Mitigation Planning

FIGURE 36: JAR GAME RANKINGS (BY PROGRAM AREA AND MEETING )

Public Survey
Pasco County also created an online survey to learn more about community needs, widely reaching
residents through the County website, targeted outreach, direct emails, QR codes at eight public
meetings, and social media. Other distributions included email lists of targeted populations
(Continuum of Care, Citizens Academy) and local municipalities. The purpose of the survey was to
delve deeper into how the community believed the funding should be allocated based on the unmet
needs following the qualifying disasters of Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.

Survey participation was strong: Between April 14th and May 5th, 2025, Pasco County gathered
more than 2,200 responses (with 1,090 fully completed surveys) to this extended survey on
recovery priorities for funding Pasco County. Respondents were asked to rank six program areas
(Housing, Infrastructure, Economic Revitalization, Public Services, Mitigation, and Planning) and
identify specific recovery needs.

111
What We Learned
Of those who participated, 84% were homeowners, 10% were renters, 4% identified as non-profits,
and 2% were business owners. This shows that a broad cross-section of the community engaged,
though homeowners were the largest group who took the survey.

Stakeholder Number of Percent of

Role Respondents Respondents*104
Homeowners 1,191 84%

Renters 146 10%

Non-Profit Reps 46 4%

Business Owners 28 2%

FIGURE 37: SURVEY RESPONDENTS (BY TYPE)

The most productive engagement channels were the County website (40%) and paid outreach
(37%). Infrastructure (29%) and Mitigation (24%) ranked the highest overall for priorities among the
participants and Housing (22%) came in third place.

29%
24%
22%

10% 8% 8%
Infrastructure Mitigation Housing Planning Public Services Economic
Revitalization
FIGURE 38: SURVEY RESULTS ("WHAT OF THESE AREAS IS THE COUNTY'S MOST CRITICAL NEED ?")

What were the most cited unmet needs? The survey asked open-ended questions about remaining
recovery needs. The most frequently cited needs were home repairs and a_ordable housing. Many
residents reported damage to homes that still need fixing and a shortage of a_ordable places to live

Percentages calculated out of ~1,411 respondents who indicated a stakeholder role. The remaining survey
104

submissions did not provide this information (many of those were incomplete responses)

112
 FIGURE 39: SURVEY RESULTS ("WHAT HOUSING-RELATED NEED IS MOST URGENT?")
after the storms.
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800

HOME REPAIRS
RENT ASSISTANCE
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR HOMEOWNERS
NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR RENTERS
HELP BUYING A HOME
MOBILE HOME REPLACEMENT
DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENTS
REIMBURSEMENT FOR COMPLETED REPAIRS
PROPERTY BUYOUT

#1 #2 #3

Residents across the county repeatedly mentioned flooding issues, specifically calling for upgraded
stormwater systems to prevent the kind of recurring neighborhood flooding experienced in recent
storms.

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

ROADS AND BRIDGES

DRAINAGE/STORMWATER SYSTEMS

WATER AND SEWER SYSTEMS

PUBLIC SHELTERS

OTHER

#1 #2 #3

FIGURE 40: SURVEY RESULTS ("WHAT INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS ARE MOST URGENT?")

Another common theme was financial gaps – people pointed out that insurance payouts and FEMA
assistance often didn’t cover all their repair costs, leaving them with unmet needs. This has led to
interest in gap-funding programs (grants or loans to cover what insurance and FEMA did not). In
terms of public services, the community highlighted support for seniors, help for people
experiencing homelessness, and access to mental health services as important needs in recovery.
For economic recovery, many supported small business assistance (like grants to help local
businesses reopen or relocate if needed) more so than longer-term economic development
programs.

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Di_erent areas of the county provided di_erent perspectives on the County’s recovery. Pasco
County communities, from the coastal neighborhoods to the inland and rural areas, responded
di_erently to the survey questions. High-impact coastal neighborhoods (accounting for most
QR-code respondents) placed Housing first (60%). County-wide online respondents elevated
Infrastructure and Mitigation, reflecting concerns about roads, drainage, and future storms.
Renters, non-profits, and business owners leaned more heavily toward Housing and Economic
Revitalization than homeowners. Drainage improvements and road repairs were universal priorities
across regions.

The following Word Cloud identifies the most mentioned concerns in open-ended comments
provided by residents in survey responses:
FIGURE 41: WORD CLOUD (MOST MENTIONED CONCERNS IN PUBLIC SURVEY)

Town Halls
In partnership with our municipalities and focusing on the areas most impacted by the three
hurricanes, Pasco County held a series of Town Hall meetings in April and May 2025. The purpose of
these town halls was to have an open forum where o_icials could discuss the storms’ impacts with
residents, explain the CDBG-DR program (including what types of assistance are eligible), and—
most importantly—listen to citizen questions, comments, and ideas about recovery. Each meeting
began with a brief presentation about the disaster’s impact and the funding available, and then the
floor was opened for public input.

Four town hall meetings were conducted on the following dates and locations (covering di_erent
parts of the county for broad accessibility):

• Monday, April 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM – J. Ben Harrill Recreation Complex, Holiday, FL (West
• Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM – Hudson Public Library, Hudson, FL
• Monday, April 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM – Moore-Mickens Education Center, Dade City, FL

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 • Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 12:00 PM – Virtual Town Hall

Each in-person venue was in or near communities hit hard by the hurricanes, and the virtual option
allowed anyone who could not attend in person to participate during a lunch-hour session. These
meetings were publicized in advance through local postings, the County website, and coordination
with city o_icials to encourage a good turnout.

At the town halls, residents shared personal stories of storm damage. Common feedback themes
included the urgency of repairing homes, improving drainage infrastructure to prevent future floods,
and providing assistance to vulnerable residents such as the seniors and those without insurance.
County sta_ recorded all
comments and answered
questions about what CDBG-DR
can and cannot fund. This
community feedback from the town
halls was later compiled and
reviewed to ensure this Action Plan
addresses the on-the-ground
needs expressed by residents.

What We Learned
Across our four town halls,
community members were most
concerned about housing recovery
and flood mitigation. Many
attendees stressed the urgency of
getting storm-damaged homes Figure 42: Hudson Library Town Hall
repaired or replaced and prioritizing those who are still displaced (including homeless residents) for
assistance. Residents expressed frustration with the slow timeline of help. Several participants
described living in temporary situations for months and urged the County to expedite the recovery
process.

Infrastructure issues were another common theme: residents from di_erent areas discussed
chronic flooding problems and urged investments in drainage improvements – from dredging silt-
clogged canals and repairing aging seawalls in coastal neighborhoods to upgrading stormwater
systems and fixing eroded roads in inland communities. In both meetings, people sought clarity on
how CDBG-DR funding can be used. Questions were asked about ensuring the funds are dedicated
to recovery, avoiding duplication with other programs (like other programs administered in Florida
or SBA loans), and whether the grant could cover specific needs such as the 25% homeowner
match required for Elevate Florida. County representatives confirmed such funds are focused on
the named storms and can potentially fill gaps - like providing match funds - within program rules.

115
Each meeting also contributed unique community insights and suggestions. Hudson attendees
also emphasized that recovery dollars should fix current problems (damaged homes and
infrastructure) rather than being diverted to future growth. They voiced support for projects like
restoring Pasco’s eroded shoreline and echoed the need for long-term flood defenses (e.g., canal
dredging and higher seawalls to protect low-lying homes). At the Moore-Mickens Education Center
(Dade City) meeting, residents highlighted some longstanding local issues exacerbated by the
disaster. Notably, they advocated relocating a wastewater treatment plant out of their
neighborhood – a promise pending for decades – and asked to be involved in decisions about
restoring that site, underscoring a desire for community-driven planning. A local pastor proposed
establishing a centralized “community village” shelter on county-owned land to house families
displaced by the storms – a creative idea to improve interim housing, developed from the
observation that FEMA’s
temporary trailers were not
deployed locally.

Additional ideas ranged

from developing an
agricultural “food hub” to
prevent post-storm food
shortages, to using local
contractors and labor for
debris cleanup and home
repairs - so that recovery
e_orts also benefit the
local economy. There were
FIGURE 43: TOWN HALL QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS RECEIVED (BY CATEGORY)
even quality-of-life
concerns tied to resilience – for instance, paving unmaintained dirt roads that had turned into
dumping grounds for storm debris, and addressing poor internet connectivity that hampers
communications.

Despite covering a wide array of topics, these dialogues shared a common thread: residents want
to see the substantial recovery funds used transparently and e_ectively to rebuild safer homes,
strengthen critical infrastructure, and support the well-being of those hardest hit by the hurricanes
in their communities.

Consultation of Developing the Action Plan

To make sure Pasco County’s Action Plan is comprehensive and well-informed, the County
consulted a wide range of stakeholders beyond the general public. Stakeholder consultation took
place throughout the planning period and included federal and state agencies, local governments,
non-profit and community organizations, and private sector representatives. The aim was to gather
expert input and data on recovery needs, coordinate e_orts with other agencies, and ensure the
plan aligns with regional and state recovery strategies.

We have organized our consultation into groups by stakeholder type; a summary of consultations
may be found in the table at the conclusion of this section.

116
Federal Agencies
Pasco County worked with federal partners like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
and the Small Business Administration (SBA) while developing the plan. The County entered into
data-sharing agreements and reviewed the FEMA Individual Assistance data and SBA disaster loan
data. This information about how many residents received federal aid, and where gaps remained,
was used to shape the unmet needs analysis in the Action Plan. These federal consultations helped
identify where CDBG-DR funds could fill in gaps left after FEMA and SBA assistance.

Local Municipalities
In March 2025, County o_icials met one-on-one with leadership from each of the six municipalities
in Pasco County (the Cities of Zephyrhills, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Dade City, the Town of St.
Leo, and the City of San Antonio). At these meetings, city managers, clerks, and/or elected o_icials
shared how the hurricanes a_ected their communities and discussed local recovery priorities.
These consultations ensured that the Action Plan considers the unique needs of Pasco’s cities in
addition to unincorporated areas.

Non-Profit and Community Organizations

The County engaged numerous non-governmental organizations to get input on the needs of
vulnerable populations and to leverage local expertise. In late March, County sta_ presented at a
Continuum of Care (CoC) Leadership Council meeting to understand how homelessness services
were impacted by the storms. This was followed by an April 24th meeting with the full CoC General
Membership, where over 15 nonprofits were represented, providing a broad perspective on
community needs. Pasco County also met with specific service providers and community groups
such as Sertoma, Bridges for Freedom, and Steps to Recovery on April 28th to discuss recovery
challenges for special needs populations and those in recovery programs. Additionally, the County
spoke with legal aid and youth/family advocacy organizations, as well as area hospitals, to gather
information on issues like tenant-landlord concerns post-disaster, youth homelessness, and
healthcare system impacts. Input from these groups helped ensure the plan’s programs will be
accessible and e_ective for those who need help the most, including people experiencing
homelessness or other hardships.

Private Sector and Economic Interests

Recognizing that disaster recovery includes economic recovery, Pasco County reached out to the
business community. The County met with the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce on May 5th
and the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce on May 8th to hear directly from local businesses about
their storm-related challenges. The County’s O_ice of Economic Growth and the Pasco Economic
Development Council were also consulted to discuss strategies for reviving the local economy,
retaining jobs, and attracting investment post-disaster. These conversations ensured that the
Action Plan’s economic revitalization programs target the actual needs of Pasco’s business
community.

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State and Regional Agencies
Pasco County coordinated with state-level partners to align the Action Plan with broader recovery
and mitigation e_orts. The County’s Department of Emergency Management worked closely with
the Florida Division of Emergency Management, especially regarding Hazard Mitigation Grant
Program (HMGP) projects. Through ongoing coordination calls - including statewide emergency
management calls that Pasco participated in, the County gathered input on mitigation priorities and
learned about state initiatives like the Elevate Florida program. This coordination helped identify
opportunities to use CDBG-DR funds to complement other funding sources for projects like
drainage improvements or backup power for shelters.

Housing Sector Stakeholders

Housing recovery is a major focus, so the County consulted those with housing expertise. The
Pasco County Housing Authority was consulted to discuss how public housing residents and
Section 8 voucher holders were a_ected by the hurricanes, and what unmet needs exist in public
housing communities. The County also reached out to a HUD-approved housing counseling
agency, Suncoast Housing Connections, to understand what housing challenges their clients -
including seniors and first-time homebuyers - are facing after the storms. The County also
consulted with the Florida Housing Coalition to explore ways to leverage CDBG-DR funds together
with other housing programs for building or rehabilitating a_ordable housing. This discussion
included how to maintain long-term a_ordability for any new housing units created.

Pasco County Government Departments

The County’s O_ice of Disaster Recovery Resources met with each major County department to
gather internal input. Departments reported how the hurricanes impacted their operations or the
populations they serve, and they suggested project ideas from their departmental perspective. This
internal consultation ensured the Action Plan is comprehensive and that interdepartmental
knowledge - such as existing capital improvement plans or social service needs - is incorporated.

Partners Consulted Description of Consultation

Pasco County entered into data-sharing agreements with both
Federal Partners FEMA and SBA. FEMA IA, FEMA and SBA Disaster Loan (Home
(FEMA, SBA) and Business) Data was used for the completion of the unmet
needs analysis.
Pasco County held one-on-one meetings with the managers,
clerks or elected o\icials of local municipalities on the following
dates:
Local/State • 3/12 – City of Zephyrhills
Government • 3/13 – Town of Saint Leo
• 3/14 – City of New Port Richey
• 3/14 – City of Port Richey
• 3/19 – Dade City

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 • 3/21 – Township of Saint Leo

Pasco County held meetings with local, non-governmental

organizations on the following dates:
• 3/27 – Continuum of Care Leadership Council
• 4/16 – AmSkills Workforce Innovation Center
Non-governmental • 4/24 – CoC General Membership (15+ nonprofits in
Organizations attendance)
• 4/28 – Sertoma, Bridges for Freedom, STEPS to Recovery

Pasco County also held meetings with Bay Area Legal, Youth and
Family Advocates, and area hospitals.
Pasco County has met with Greater Pasco Chamber of
Commerce (5/5), the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce (5/8),
Private Sector
and consulted with the Department of Planning and Economic
Growth and the Economic Development Council.
State and Local The County’s Department of Emergency Management
Emergency coordinates with local jurisdictions and makes
Management recommendations to the State of Florida Division of Emergency
Agencies that have Management with respect to the ongoing list of local hazard
Primary mitigation projects. Input was received regarding ongoing
Responsibility for mitigation needs and priorities as well as HMGP projects and
the Administration matches. We met on the Elevate Florida program. Pasco County
of FEMA Funds attended statewide Emergency Management calls.
The O\ice of Disaster Recovery Resources attended and
Agencies that presented at two CoC meetings. The lead agency, Pasco County
Manage Local Coalition for the Homeless, provided information that was
Continuum of Care included in the unmet needs analysis including how the storms
impacted those experiencing homelessness.
Public Housing The County consulted with the Pasco County Housing Authority
Agencies to obtain impacts and unmet needs.
The County consulted Suncoast Housing Connections for current
HUD-approved
information on impacts and any unmet needs. Concerns for
Housing Counseling
seniors needing financial management and new homeowners
Agencies
needing post-purchase counseling were expressed.
Pasco County consulted with the Florida Housing Coalition to
State Housing
discuss the best means to leverage DR housing dollars with new
Finance Agencies
construction programs to maintain a\ordability.
The O\ice of Disaster Recovery Resources conducted meetings
with each branch of Pasco County government to learn about the
Other Stakeholders
impacts of the hurricanes on their lines of business and gather
proposed project ideas.

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All these consultation e_orts – from federal data to local town hall comments – were synthesized to
guide the development of Pasco County’s Action Plan. By engaging such a broad coalition of
partners, the County worked to ensure no major issue was overlooked and that the resulting
recovery programs will coordinate well with other ongoing e_orts.

Public Comments
Transparency and public input continue to be important as the Action Plan is finalized. Pasco
County will publish the draft Action Plan for public review and comment for a period of 30 days, as
required by HUD. The draft Better Future Action Plan for Disaster Recovery will be made available
on the County’s website on May 12th, 2025, marking the start of the public comment period. The
public comment period will run from May 12th, 2025, through June 12, 2025. During this time,
anyone can review the draft plan and submit their feedback.

In accordance with HUD requirements, Pasco County has formally advertised the publication of the
Better Future Action Plan for Disaster Recovery with the 30-day public comment period through
multiple channels. A public notice was placed in the Tampa Bay Times on May 7th, 2025,
announcing where to find the draft plan and how to comment. Additionally, information about the
comment period is posted on the Pasco County website and shared via social media and
community partners to reach as many residents as possible. The draft Action Plan document is
accessible online (and a reasonable number of printed copies are available at the County
Community Development o_ice for those without internet access). All comments will be
considered in the formulation of the final action plan. A summary of all comments received will be
incorporated into the final action plan prior to submission to HUD.

How to Submit Comments

Pasco County o_ers several convenient ways for the public to send in comments on the draft
Action Plan. People can submit comments electronically through an online form on the Better
Future program webpage, or by emailing [email protected]. Written comments can also
be mailed or delivered to the Community Development Department at the County’s o_ice. The
County will also accept verbal comments at the scheduled public hearings (detailed below). All
comments, whether online, written, or spoken at a hearing, will be collected for consideration.

Pasco County encourages all interested residents and stakeholders to review the draft plan and
share their thoughts during this window. The input received during the public comment period is a
critical part of finalizing Pasco County’s Action Plan.

Public Hearings
As per the Universal Notice, Pasco County, receiving $585,704,000 in CDBG-DR funding was
required to hold three (3) public hearings. These hearings were advertised in the Tampa Bay Times,
along with notification our draft Action Plan. In coordination with local municipalities, the public
hearings were scheduled in some of the most impacted communities after Draft Action Plan was
published. The hearings were also scheduled at times to most likely engage our citizens. The
locations of the hearings provided a geographic balance between the impacted areas of West and
East Pasco County. All public hearings were held in locations accessible to people with disabilities.
The public hearings were also advertised on the Pasco County website 30 days prior to the first

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hearing. It was publicized in print and online in accordance with the County’s Citizen Participation
Plan. The online notice of the public hearing includes instructions for persons with disabilities or
special needs to contact Pasco County for special accommodations.

Public Hearing Dates and Locations

• Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 6 PM: Zephyrhills Train Depot, Zephyrhills, FL
• Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6 PM: Wiregrass Ranch Sports Campus, Wesley Chapel, FL
• Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5 PM: Board of County Commissioners Board Room, New Port
Richey, FL

Consideration of Public Comments

Every comment that Pasco County receives on the draft Action Plan, whether written or spoken at a
public hearing, will be carefully considered before the plan is finalized. The County is committed to
reviewing all public input and making changes to the Action Plan where appropriate in response to
community feedback. If certain suggestions cannot be incorporated, the County will still document
those comments and explain why a change was not made.

After the 30-day public comment period ends, the County will organize all the feedback by topic
and prepare a summary of public comments. This summary will detail the concerns and
suggestions raised by the public. Alongside each topic or comment category using the table below,
the County will provide a response describing how the comment is addressed in the Action Plan. In
certain cases, the Action Plan may be revised to incorporate good ideas from the public; where it
isn’t, the response will clarify the reasoning (for example, if a request is not eligible for CDBG-DR
funding by law).

Pasco County values community voices and will ensure that the final Action Plan reflects input we
have received. This responsiveness helps build a plan that truly meets local needs and has public
support.

FIGURE 44: PUBLIC HEARING FEEDBACK RECEIVED

Comment Received County Response

This figure will be updated after public hearings

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Citizen Complaints
Pasco County is committed to maintaining a transparent and accessible process for addressing
citizen complaints related to the CDBG-DR Action Plan, amendments and associated recovery
activities. Complaints may be submitted by residents and stakeholders to express concerns or
provide feedback on the Better Future program. Complaints may be submitted through email,
written correspondence via mail, or an online submission form available on the County’s CDBG-DR
website.

The County understands that maintaining public trust requires addressing concerns promptly and
fairly. In accordance with the County’s Citizen Participation Plan approved by the BCC, the County
will make every e_ort to respond to citizen complaints in writing within 15 days when practical.
Each complaint will be thoroughly reviewed, and responses will be tailored to the nature and
complexity of the issue. Complaints related to noncompliance with HUD regulations, or the
Universal Notice requirements will be escalated for appropriate resolution in consultation with
relevant agencies.

The County is committed to transparency in this process. To promote transparency and fairness,
the County will document all complaints, responses, and resolutions. This log of complaints and
responses helps the County track common issues and ensure they are addressed. The County may
conduct regular evaluations of the complaint process to ensure it aligns with community needs and
HUD’s Citizen Participation Requirements.

Modifications to the Action Plan

The County understands that recovery needs, programs, and projects may evolve over the course of
the grant and modifications to the Better Future Action Plan for Disaster Recovery may be
necessary. These changes will be classified as either substantial or non-substantial amendments
based on their impact on program scope, funding allocation and eligibility criteria.

Pasco County will ensure that all amendments comply with HUD’s Universal Notice requirements,
maintaining transparency and public engagement as required. In simple terms, big changes will
involve public notice and input, while minor changes will still be documented and reported - but
won’t require a full public comment period.

Substantial Amendment
The following criteria determines what changes in Pasco’s Better Future Action Plan for Disaster
Recovery constitute a substantial amendment and thus require public comment. Pasco County
considers an amendment to be “substantial” if it meets any of the following criteria:

1. A change in program benefit or eligibility criteria (including the expansion of eligible

beneficiaries.
2. The addition or deletion of an activity.
3. A proposed reduction in the overall benefit requirement.
4. The allocation or reallocation of $5,000,000 or more; and
5. An update to the submitted initial Action Plan if the original submission was incomplete.

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If a change falls into one of these categories, Pasco County will follow a formal process to amend
the Action Plan. This process will include publishing the proposed substantial amendment for
public review and comment for at least 30 days (similar to the original Action Plan comment
period). The County will advertise the amendment’s availability and will hold at least one public
hearing to gather feedback on the proposed changes. After the comment period, the County will
consider all comments and then submit the substantial amendment to HUD for approval. The
County will implement the change only after HUD approves the amendment.

Non-Substantial Amendment
A non-substantial amendment refers to a minor modification that does not meet the criteria listed
above for a substantial amendment. These are typically smaller adjustments or corrections that
keep the core of the Action Plan the same. Non-substantial amendments might include things like
technical corrections (fixing a typo or updating a factual detail), clarifications of wording, or small
shifts in budget that are below the substantial amendment threshold (for example, moving a small
amount of funds from one activity to another to better meet demand, as long as it’s less than the
threshold percentage of the total grant).

Non-substantial amendments do not require a formal public comment period or public hearing. In
other words, the County can make these minor changes administratively. However, Pasco County
will still notify HUD at least five (5) business days before any non-substantial amendment takes
e_ect, as required. This notification ensures HUD is aware of even minor changes. All
amendments, both substantial and non-substantial, will be noted in the applicable Amendment
chart located at the beginning of this document. The amendments will be numbered sequentially
and posted on Better Future’s website at https://pascocountyfl.net/government/better_future.php.

Performance Reports
Pasco County is committed to a clear and e_icient reporting process for its CDBG-DR programs. All
reports will follow the formats and rules set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) and will be submitted through HUD’s Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting
(DRGR) system. Our goal is to provide accurate, well-documented updates that demonstrate
accountability and show how CDBG-DR funds are being used to help the community and meet
local needs.

Any changes to programs or the Action Plan will be updated in DRGR after receiving HUD approval.
Updates to DRGR will be made within five business days of approval by either HUD or the County’s
Grant Manager. The Grant Manager, with help from our consultant team, will make sure all updates,
revisions, and reports meet HUD requirements. All sta_ involved will receive training to ensure they
can use the DRGR system e_ectively.

Quarterly Performance Reports

Pasco County will also submit required Quarterly Performance Reports within 30 days following the
conclusion of each quarter. These reports will be posted online once approved by HUD and will
continue until all funds are spent and projects are closed.

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Program Income
Some CDBG-DR programs may earn program income, such as from loan repayments or rental
revenue. Pasco County will track and report this income and use it to support eligible recovery
projects. All program income will be managed according to HUD rules to help strengthen recovery
and long-term community resilience. Pasco County will comply with all applicable requirements
regarding the use and management of program income.

Pre-Award Costs
“Pre-award costs” are expenses that Pasco County incurred before the o_icial approval of this
Action Plan and the signing of the grant agreement, which are related to getting the disaster
recovery program up and running. HUD allows the County to reimburse itself for certain eligible
costs that happened in this pre-award period, as long as they are for CDBG-DR eligible activities
and the proper procedures are followed. Pasco County had to invest resources ahead of time to
kick-start the recovery process.

Pasco County intends to seek reimbursement for pre-award activities (all of which were done in
anticipation of receiving the CDBG-DR funds), including:

• Action Plan Development: The work to write and prepare the CDBG-DR Action Plan,
including community outreach e_orts during plan development.
• Needs Assessment: The research and data analysis to identify unmet housing,
infrastructure, economic, and other needs resulting from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and
Milton – including public engagement activities. This analysis also evaluated current and
future risks (mitigation needs).
• County Assessments: Pre-award activities related to required Environmental Reviews and
Damage Assessments.
• Translation and Accessibility: Services to translate the Action Plan and important notices
into other languages and to make information accessible so that all members of the public
can participate in the process.
• Program Design and Staping: Initial costs related to designing proposed recovery
programs – including program policies and procedures - and potentially hiring or assigning
sta_ and resources to the disaster recovery team before executing the grant agreement to
build capacity.
• Administrative Setup: Any upfront administrative expenses, such as setting up financial
systems or reporting systems in preparation for managing the grant funds.

All these tasks were conducted before HUD’s final approval but were necessary to get the recovery
programs ready to launch as soon as funding became available. The County has kept careful track
of these expenses. They will be categorized appropriately in our budget. Seeking reimbursement for
pre-award costs will not detract from project funds; it simply covers the preparatory work that laid
the groundwork for a successful recovery program. All pre-award costs that we plan to charge to the
grant will be clearly identified in the Action Plan budget and reported to HUD.

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Appendix A: Certifications
Pasco County acknowledges that it will administer the CDBG-DR grant consistent with the
following certifications required by Federal statute and regulation.

a) Uniform Relocation Act and Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan (RARAP):
Pasco County certifies that it:
1) will comply with the acquisition and relocation requirements of the Uniform Act,
and implementing regulations at 49 CFR part 24, as such requirements may be
modified by waivers or alternative requirements;
2) has in e_ect and is following a RARAP in connection with any activity assisted with
CDBG–DR grant funds that fulfills the requirements of Section 104(d), 24 CFR part
42, and 24 CFR part 570, as amended by waivers and alternative requirements.
b) Authority of Grantee: Pasco County certifies that the Action Plan for disaster recovery is
authorized under State and local law (as applicable) and that Pasco County, and any entity
or entities designated by Pasco County, and any contractor, subrecipient, or designated
public agency carrying out an activity with CDBG–DR funds, possess(es) the legal authority
to carry out the program for which it is seeking funding, in accordance with applicable HUD
regulations as modified by waivers and alternative requirements.
c) Consistency with the Action Plan: Pasco County certifies that activities to be undertaken
with CDBG–DR funds are consistent with its action plan.
d) Citizen Participation: Pasco County certifies that it is following a detailed citizen
participation plan that satisfies the requirements of 24 CFR 91.115 or 91.105 (except as
provided for in waivers and alternative requirements). Also, each local government receiving
assistance from a state grantee must follow a detailed citizen participation plan that
satisfies the requirements of 24 CFR 570.486 (except as provided for in waivers and
alternative requirements).
e) Use of Funds: Pasco County certifies that it is complying with each of the following criteria:
1) Purpose of the funding: Funds will be used solely for necessary expenses related to
disaster relief, long-term recovery, restoration of infrastructure and housing,
economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas
for which the President declared a major disaster pursuant to the Sta_ord Act
(42U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).
2) Maximum Feasibility Priority: With respect to activities expected to be assisted with
CDBG–DR funds, the Action Plan has been developed so as to give the maximum
feasible priority to activities that will benefit low- and moderate-income families.
3) Overall benefit: The aggregate use of CDBG–DR funds shall principally benefit low-
and moderate-income families in a manner that ensures that at least 70 percent (or
another percentage permitted by HUD in a waiver) of the grant amount is expended
for activities that benefit such persons.
4) Special Assessment: Pasco County will not attempt to recover any capital costs of
public improvements assisted with CDBG– DR grant funds, by assessing any

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 amount against properties owned and occupied by persons of low- and moderate-
income, including any fee charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining
access to such public improvements, unless:
i. disaster recovery grant funds are used to pay the proportion of such fee or
assessment that relates to the capital costs of such public improvements
that are financed from revenue sources other than under this title; or
ii. for purposes of assessing any amount against properties owned and
occupied by persons of moderate income, Pasco County certifies to the
Secretary that it lacks su_icient CDBG funds (in any form) to comply with
the requirements of clause (a).
f) Grant Timeliness: Pasco County certifies that it (and any subrecipient or administering
entity) currently has or will develop and maintain the capacity to carry out disaster recovery
activities in a timely manner and that Pasco County has reviewed the requirements
applicable to the use of grant funds.
g) Order of Assistance: Pasco County certifies that it will comply with the statutory order of
assistance listed in Appendix C paragraph 9 and will verify if FEMA or USACE funds are
available for an activity, or the costs are reimbursable by FEMA or USACE before awarding
CDBG–DR assistance for the costs of carrying out the same activity.
h) A_irmatively Further Fair Housing: Pasco County certifies it will a_irmatively further fair
housing.
i) Anti-Lobbying: Pasco County certifies its compliance with the restrictions on lobbying
required by 24 CFR part 87, together with disclosure forms, if required by part 87.
j) Section 3: Pasco County certifies that it will comply with section 3 of the Housing and Urban
Development Act of 1968 (12 U.S.C. 1701u) and implementing regulations at 24 CFR part
75.
k) Excessive Force: Pasco County certifies that it has adopted and is enforcing the following
policies, and, in addition, State grantees must certify that they will require local
governments that receive their grant funds to certify that they have adopted and are
enforcing:
1) A policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within
its jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in nonviolent civil rights
demonstrations; and
2) A policy of enforcing applicable State and local laws against physically barring
entrance to or exit from a facility or location that is the subject of such nonviolent
civil rights demonstrations within its jurisdiction.
l) Compliance with Anti-discrimination Laws: Pasco County certifies that the grant will be
conducted and administered in conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42
U.S.C. 2000d), the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3601–3619), and implementing regulations.
m) Lead-Based Paint: Pasco County certifies that its activities concerning lead-based paint will
comply with the requirements of 24 CFR part 35, subparts A, B, J, K, and R.

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n) Compliance with Laws: Pasco County certifies that it will comply with the provisions of title
I of the HCDA and with other applicable laws.

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Appendix B: Waivers
The County currently does not request any waivers. If the County identifies the need for waivers in
the future, we will request those waivers through independent submission.

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Appendix C: Public Comments
The County will log and respond to public comments here in the final submission of this Action
Plan to HUD.

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Appendix D: Standard Form 424
The County will enter Standard Form 424 here in the final submission of this Action Plan to HUD.

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