TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is awarding $3.55 million to five Tampa Bay communities to improve housing, streetscapes, and water and sewer projects in those areas.

In total, DEO is awarding more than $21 million to 32 communities across the state with Small Cities Community Development Block Grants, which assist with economic development, housing rehabilitation, and neighborhood and commercial revitalization. 

DEO Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “DEO is committed to helping communities in the Tampa Bay area prosper. These grants will improve local infrastructure, which is a critical building block for strong communities and economic development.”

The following projects in the Tampa Bay area are recipients of the block grants:

• Charlotte County: $750,000 to replace 3,425 linear feet of limited capacity sanitary sewer line, 3,615 linear feet of deteriorated water line, and 3,220 linear feet of sidewalk for increased pedestrian safety and quality of life.
• Highlands County: $750,000 to replace 15,000 linear feet of antiquated water mains with limited capacity and fire flow with modern mains of adequate size.
• Town of Zolfo Springs: $750,000 to implement water treatment plant improvements and water main improvements including the replacement of existing piping networks with approximately 9,250 linear feet of new water main piping, valves, fire hydrants, water services, and other required improvements to provide sufficient level of service to the residents connected to the water main.
• Citrus County: $750,000 to provide rehabilitation improvements to at least 11 owner-occupied housing units.
• City of Coleman: $600,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to a minimum of nine households within the city limits.

For more information about the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program and details on how to apply, visit www.floridajobs.org/smallcitiescdbg.