Lawmakers representing communities across the Tampa Bay area have requested around $400 million in funding for local projects, ranging from storm and flood mitigation and community services to new educational programs and cultural attractions.
The largest single ask in the Tampa Bay area came from Rep. Danny Alvarez, who is seeking $50 million for the University of South Florida for its Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing.
Other top asks include $20 million each for a new community center in Plant City and a new emergency shelter and recreation complex in Pasco County. Alvarez also requested $10 million for a new pump station in Hillsborough County, while Rep. Traci Koster requested the same amount for a new training center for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
The top asks in Pinellas County include a $15 million request from Rep. Adam Anderson for capacity improvements to East Lake Road; $8.425 million requested by Rep. Kim Berfield for an erosion control project at Belleair Bluff; and an $8 million request, also from Berfield, for renovations to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
The asks are on par with past Legislative Sessions, but lawmakers this year may find a more difficult path to drawing down state funding, as budget leaders in both chambers look to make the state budget more lean. Out-year projections show possible revenue shortfalls in coming years, a product at least in part due to federal funding during the COVID years no longer trickling into the state.
That means many appropriations requests will be dead on arrival, while others may find significantly lower awards than requested.
Here’s an exhaustive, though not entirely complete, rundown of appropriations requests that would benefit the Tampa Bay region, broken down by county and/or organization. Florida Politics reviewed requests filed as of Monday, Jan. 5, meaning other requests may have since been filed. Some smaller requests were also left out of the analysis.
Hillsborough County
Westside Community Center in Plant City: Alvarez is requesting $20 million for a new multipurpose community center in Plant City, which will include programs and classes to enhance physical and mental well-being, including exercise and community programming and educational events teaching topics such as regional history and practical skills.
Hillsborough County Balm Road super pump station: Alvarez is requesting $10 million pulled from an overall $75 million project creating a new super pump station on Balm Road as part of the county’s One Water Program seeking to deliver reliable, resilient and sustainable water service to 145,000 residents in the south-central area of the county.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office regional training center: Koster has also requested $10 million for a new Sheriff’s Office training center, with space for other agencies, to support basic, advanced and specialized law enforcement training. The facility would serve as a regional base for classroom, physical fitness and scenario-based training for new recruits and experienced personnel seeking continued education.
Port Tampa Bay East Port expansion: Rep. Michael Owen has requested $7.5 million to expand an existing facility by 9 acres and increase a berth on site by 275 feet. The expansion would allow the Port to handle additional cargoes and accommodate existing demand, which would reduce supply chain issues and lower product costs.
Hillsborough County East 26th Avenue road improvements: Owen is requesting $5 million to improve a portion of East 26th Avenue in Tampa, including new asphalt, improved sidewalks and lighting, and other enhancements, which would also support a new affordable housing development.
Plant City Lakeside Station Park: Alvarez is also requesting $5 million for construction of a lakeside park to encourage outdoor recreation and overall community wellness. The lakeside environment would also offer opportunities for outdoor education on topics such as environmental science, water conservation and sustainability, as well as aquatic ecosystems, climate change, pollution and conservation.
Plant City canal clearing and improvements: Alvarez has also requested $5 million to mitigate flooding, a need that became apparent after widespread flooding related to Hurricane Milton. By clearing canals and removing debris and other potential blockages, the project would help restore proper flow and reduce future flooding threats.
Hillsborough County African American Arts and Cultural Center: Rep. Michele Rayner has requested $5 million to fund construction of a new Hillsborough County African American Arts and Cultural Center, a planned 50,000-square-foot facility that would include meeting space, galleries, labs, studios, classrooms, a cafe, administrative offices, interior and exterior special event spaces, and parking. The request represents just shy of 25% of the total cost.
Gulf Coast Aquatic Research & Restoration Center: Owen is requesting $4.8 million to construct and equip the three-story coastal resilience and marine science hub located in Apollo Beach at TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center and Conservation park. The new Center would serve as Florida’s flagship facility for seagrass restoration, submerged aquatic vegetation aquaculture, oyster and bivalve hatchery operations, drone-based restoration, hurricane resilience, and STEM workforce development for Florida youth.
Temple Terrace Emergency Operations Center: Koster has requested $4.5 million be reverted and reappropriated from funds allocated in the current fiscal year, which will fund a hardened emergency operations center (EOC) able to withstand Category 5 hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters. In addition to serving as the EOC, the facility also houses the city’s computer systems and backup police and fire dispatch, which are currently vulnerable to natural disaster threats.
Greater Hillsborough County Fairgrounds Equestrian and Agricultural Facility: Alvarez is requesting $4.2 million to build a new covered arena and grandstands at the Greater Hillsborough County Fairgrounds to enhance agricultural education, provide year-round space for youth and community events, improve accessibility and safety, and expand economic impact through larger-capacity regional events.
Moffitt Cancer Center cancer pathology digitization: Rep. Adam Anderson is requesting $3.7 million to continue Moffitt Cancer Center’s digital pathology cancer program developing new artificial intelligence algorithms. Requested funds would support the purchase of additional equipment and software to create high-resolution digital images, facilitate remote analysis and seamlessly integrate data to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Hillsborough County Juvenile Assessment Center renovation: Koster has also requested $3 million to help fund renovation to an existing 12,000-square-foot building constructed in 1998, including a new roof, new HVAC, upgraded electrical and plumbing to meet current codes, a new whole-building generator, new doors with secure magnetic locking systems, durable flooring, an enhanced sallyport, and a new surveillance system.
Hillsborough County Clerk records center: Koster is requesting $3 million to help fund a new records center for the Hillsborough County Clerk of Court, which is planned to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. The facility would safeguard irreplaceable court records, computer systems, evidence and records that service court activities. The new facility would also provide space for the County Comptroller to pay county invoices and salaries.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and emergency management: Alvarez has requested $3 million to purchase amphibious vehicles, a power generator for the local Emergency Operations Center and an Aqua Fence flood prevention barrier, and to fund drainage improvements at the Public Safety Operations Complex to further protect county residents in the event of a natural disaster. The Aqua Fence would be used at the county’s Fire Station No. 31.
Hillsborough County advanced metering infrastructure: Owen has requested $2 million to upgrade and modernize water meters for about 15,000 Hillsborough County residents, with new advanced metering infrastructure that provides real-time usage data, improved billing accuracy, reduced meter reading costs and enhanced outage and low-leak detection. Local government has already committed $28 million to the project, with Owen’s request representing a final match for the overall $30 million project.
ZooTampa endangered Florida wildlife conservation expansion: Rep. Susan Valdés is requesting $1.9 million to improve Florida wildlife conservation efforts through vital hospital equipment, a vehicle for fieldwork and small facility renovations to support manatee care and rehabilitation. It would also fund a new panther rehabilitation habitat.
Cuban Club interior renovations: A frequent ask in recent years, Valdés has also requested $1.76 million to repair, remodel and update four large restrooms in the Cuban Club in Ybor City. Funding would also cover modifications to the second-floor basement entrances to return them to the historic building’s original design and to replace four HVAC units that have reached the end of their useful life. Additionally, funds would pay for historic floor tiles and installation, as well as updated electrical service.
United Food Bank and Services: Alvarez is also requesting $1.5 million to support United Food Bank and Services, one of Hillsborough County’s largest food banks that serves as a lifeline for residents facing food insecurity in east Hillsborough County. The funding would cover staffing and program growth, operational and programming costs and enhanced ability to feed, educate and support residents.
Tampa Museum of Art: Owen has also requested $1.5 million to expand classical education for all, part of an overall $128 million project. Requested funds would help cover construction costs on a 51,000-square-foot addition to the existing Tampa Museum of Art along the Hillsborough River.
Glazer Children’s Museum renovation and expansion: Valdés is requesting $1.5 million to complete the final design and planning for a first-floor renovation and exhibit expansion, creating a new entrance and allowing construction of a new 3,000-square-foot permanent exhibit and rotating exhibit space. The project also aims to enhance disability access and create more functional space for school visitors.
Ibis Healthcare Hillsborough Outpatient Center: Koster is requesting $1.45 million to expand treatment capacity at the Ibis outpatient center, with the goal of creating better continuity of care and integrating mental health, pharmacy, substance use and primary care services. The project is expected to reduce emergency room visits by 74% and law enforcement encounters by 95%, while enhancing direct care service to more than 3,000 patients, according to the appropriations request.
Tampa Bay Glass-to-Sand Pilot Project: Owen has requested $1.26 million to support a program using post-consumer glass from Tampa Bay area bars and restaurants to be converted into clean, safe sand for various uses, such as sandbags for flood mitigation, playground surfacing, landscaping and shoreline stabilization.
St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Chronic Complex Clinic: Koster is also requesting $1.2 million for operational costs, including staff salaries and benefits, supplies and maintenance at the St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Chronic Complex Clinic, which provides high-tech pediatric health care for children and young adults with multiple life-threatening conditions, the only facility of its kind in the state.
Tampa Bay Works FabLab: Owen is also requesting $1 million for the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa’s Bay Works FabLab, an innovation hub that provides hands-on technical training, workforce development and entrepreneurship support aimed at enhancing the region’s talent pipeline.
Tampa Theater centennial restoration and expansion: Berfield is requesting $1 million to fund part of a more than $16 million project to fully restore the historic Tampa Theater in downtown Tampa as part of its 100th anniversary this October. The project includes critical upgrades to infrastructure and modernization of production and presentation technologies. The project also includes decorative paint and plaster restoration and a new two-floor education wing.
Tampa Bay Thrives youth mental wellness: Koster is requesting $1 million for an overall $2 million initiative from Tampa Bay Thrives to enhance mental health services for local youth, including through mental health resources and education. The project aims to establish early intervention to improve mental wellness and resiliency among young residents.
Tampa ditch rehabilitation program: Valdés has requested $1 million to reconstruct and harden local ditches, which suffered erosion amid the 2024 hurricanes, diminishing capacity and creating maintenance challenges. The rehabilitation work would ensure proper drainage needed to convey stormwater.
Habitat for Humanity of Tampa Bay Hillsborough, Resilient Homes for Heroes: Alvarez is requesting $950,000 for the construction of six homes for families earning less than 80% of the area median income, to be selected with a preference for veterans, first responders, health care workers, education workers or those affected by recent hurricanes.
Hillsborough County Schools Bright Futures readiness pilot: Koster is requesting nearly $900,000 for a new pilot project in Hillsborough County Schools to streamline Bright Futures scholarship tracking in response to new, complex eligibility changes. The program, SchoolLinks, offers real-time insight into GPA, test score, coursework and service hour requirements to ensure scholarship readiness.
Children’s Network of Hillsborough, CHANCE Program: House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell is requesting $800,000 for the CHANCE Program, which offers trauma-informed, community-based services for sexually exploited children as an alternative to out-of-home care. Most of the funding would cover salary and benefits for eight full-time positions, with about $100,000 supporting general and administrative costs.
Pediatric vision health and literacy program: Owen is also requesting $750,000 for a pediatric vision health and literacy program at Lions World Vision Institute. The program provides vision screenings, eye exams, eyeglasses and referrals to community partners for surgical care. It also offers STEM-based eye health education to kids from birth to age 17, particularly to those who are uninsured, in VPK or Title 1 schools, or live in low socioeconomic communities. The services are provided free of charge to enhance school performance, prevent blindness, improve literacy, increase graduation rates and expand health care access.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Fallen Firefighter memorial: Alvarez has requested $675,000 for a new memorial honoring firefighters who have died in the line of duty over the past half-century. The project is fully designed and shovel ready, and funds would go toward construction.
Camelot Community Care high risk adoption support program: Koster has requested $525,000 to fund seven adoption-competent therapists to provide direct intervention services to families, conduct support groups, provide case management and develop community services for Camelot Community Care’s high risk adoption support program, which helps families navigate challenges post-adoption.
Tampa Jewish community preventative security initiative: Koster is also requesting $525,000 for security management staff who protect against antisemitic attacks and for those who educate the public on antisemitism prevention. The funding is a continued security response to attacks on Jewish communal spaces that have occurred in recent years.
“A Land Remembered” film: Alvarez is requesting $500,000 to cover some post-production costs, including salaries and benefits for editors, designers and other local media services, for the series “A Land Remembered.” It would support local participation in the post-production process to ensure funds stay in-state and local, while creating a high-quality final product of the series based on a novel by the same name, which showcases early life in Florida.
Tampa Police Department drone detection system: Koster has requested $500,000 for the purchase of a fixed D-Drone Antennas detection system that would be used to enhance airspace security and to integrate with the agency’s Real Time Crime Center, improving emergency response, protecting infrastructure and supporting major events.
Harbour Island shoreline restoration and stabilization: Koster is requesting $500,000 for restoration of the natural marine buffer that protects Harbour Island and the adjacent shipping channel from flood damage.
Tampa Firefighters Museum: Alvarez is requesting $102,700 for restoration and safety improvements at the historic Tampa Firefighters Museum, including new flooring, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and exhibit enhancements. The project aims to preserve the facility for future generations and expand fire safety education, all while honoring Tampa’s first responders. Owen has also requested $320,000 for enhancements.
University of South Florida
College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing: Alvarez is seeking $50 million to complete the state-funded portion of a new facility that will house the USF Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity and Computing. The funding will pay for architecture, planning and related services for a new facility for the school, which opened last year with more than 3,000 students enrolled and approximately 80 faculty members. The state funding complements a record $40 million in philanthropic contributions to establish the new school.
Florida Institute of Oceanography marine research vessels maintenance and equipment: Rep. Berny Jacques has requested $2.5 million to undergo needed maintenance and to modernize research and other equipment related to the USF Florida Institute of Oceanography’s marine research vessels, with the goal of extending their service life and enhancing research.
Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY): Koster is requesting $2.5 million for various needs in the HIPPY program, including costs to manage the delivery to some 2,000 kids. The Legislature has provided the same or similar level of support since Fiscal Year 2014-15, with the exception of Fiscal Year 2017-18. Without it, more than 500 fewer families would receive HIPPY services than in years past, according to the appropriations request.
Center for Neuromusculoskeletal Research: Alvarez is requesting $200,000 to help fund salary and benefits for a program director, two postdoctoral fellows, four graduate students, 15 undergraduate students, a lab manager and a visiting professor.
Hillsborough Community College
Workforce education center at the HCC SouthShore Campus: Owen is requesting $5 million to establish a workforce education and economic development program in southern Hillsborough County, with a facility aimed at mitigating instructional space shortages and functioning as a comprehensive training center for high-wage careers in health care, business and technology. Funding would cover planning, design and engineering for the new center and add to a $3 million county match for fixed capital construction.
Plant City campus workforce center: Koster is requesting $5 million to establish a workforce education center to provide education and economic development opportunities in eastern Hillsborough County through a facility that will mitigate instructional space shortages and serve as a comprehensive training center for high wage jobs in health care, business and technology.
Hillsborough Community College artificial intelligence program support: Valdés is requesting $5 million to establish an Associate in Science degree in artificial intelligence, by funding new classroom resources and technology needed to facilitate the program.
Unmanned vehicle systems operations program support: Alvarez is requesting $2 million to enable HCC to acquire equipment and infrastructure for its unmanned vehicle systems associates degree program, which provides training in unmanned aerial, ground and maritime systems to meet workforce needs in the military, public safety, agriculture, utility and logistics sectors.
Pinellas County
East Lake Road capacity improvements: Rep. Adam Anderson is requesting $15 million, half of the $30 million total project cost, for construction of a road widening and intersection improvement project along East Lake Road between Curlew Road and Trinity Boulevard.
Belleair Bluff erosion control project: Berfield is requesting $8.425 million to restore and preserve the bluff, which is eroding into the intercoastal waterway at a rate of 3.5 feet per year. The state of Florida has found Belleair Bluff to be one of just two naturally occurring bluffs in the state.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium renovation: Berfield is requesting $8 million to demolish and rebuild portions of the aquarium that are past their useful life, which will allow the facility to welcome new sea life habitats. The funding would go toward construction and renovation expenses.
Morean Arts Center redevelopment: Berfield is requesting $6.6 million to support redevelopment and expansion plans for the Morean Arts Center in St. Pete, integrating the Chihuly Collection into a single campus.
Treasure Island public safety building: Rep. Linda Chaney is requesting $4.5 million, a portion of an overall $12 million project, to replace and elevate the public safety building destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Seminole Recreation Center: Chaney is requesting $4.4 million, a small fraction of the overall $29.6 million project cost, to replace the city of Seminole’s existing Community Recreation Center, which opened in 2001 in a converted church building that was built in 1983.
Barbara Circle reconstruction: Berfield is requesting $4.2 million for full roadway reconstruction, including removal of current asphalt and the road base, a new sub-base with new pipeline infrastructure and electrical conduits for street lighting. The project also includes new sidewalks and drainage.
Seminole Junior Warhawks youth sports field improvements: Jacques has requested $4 million to support county funding for the construction of the final two of 10 planned multipurpose fields for soccer, lacrosse and flag football practices, games and tournaments. Current facilities lack sufficient parking, field space and amenities for concessions and restrooms.
Pinellas County hurricane special needs shelter emergency generators: Anderson is requesting $4 million to purchase backup power systems for two special needs shelters supporting approximately 3,000 special needs residents who rely on electrical access for medical equipment, emergency lighting, air conditioning and cooking.
Sanitary sewer pump stations electrical improvements: Chaney is requesting $3.9 million to protect 39 pump stations from future flooding and storm events by elevating electrical equipment, including meter cans, junction boxes, disconnect switches, remote telemetry units and control panels.
Starkey Road flood mitigation: Jacques is requesting $3.8 million to partially fund improvements regarding flood control and water quality in the Starkey Road drainage basin. Funds would cover the construction of new stormwater pipes, expanded tributary ditches and upgraded culverts.
Springzone St. Pete transitional housing and workforce development: Rayner is requesting $3.25 million to construct two integrated transitional housing and workforce development sites with 40 beds to serve youth who are aging out of the foster care system.
Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation: Anderson is requesting $3 million to expand and renovate the foundation’s Chi Chi Academy campus to provide more classrooms, enhanced safety and security, and upgraded facilities and technology. The academy serves kids in fifth through eighth grade who are not achieving at grade level, have low self-esteem or have difficulty adjusting to a larger academic environment.
Clearwater lift station rehabilitation: Berfield is requesting $3 million to fund full construction and refurbishment of five aging lift stations, addressing structural, mechanical and electrical system deficiencies and ensuring reliable operation of wastewater infrastructure to prevent sanitary sewer overflows and protect public health.
Gulfport roadway safety and flooding improvements: Chaney is requesting $3 million to increase stormwater collection capabilities by spreading water flow to adjacent streets and neighborhoods in Gulfport, reducing flooding that has become commonplace in the coastal town. Funding would partially pay for improvements on 26th Avenue South between 56th Street and 52nd Street and on Beach Boulevard. Some roadway reconstruction, including brick sections, are included in the project.
St. Pete Beach fire station No. 22: Chaney is requesting $3 million to replace the fire station, which was completely destroyed by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, with a new facility meeting Federal Emergency Management Agency compliance standards.
South Pasadena City Hall hardening and resiliency project: Chaney is requesting $3 million, as part of a $7 million project, to plan, engineer and construct a resilient and accessible City Hall, replacing the city’s current ’70s-era facility that was largely destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The new facility would include an elevated, hardened structure designed to withstand disasters.
Dunedin hurricane damage repair and restoration: Anderson is requesting $3 million to restore the fishing pier, day docks and ferry dock and to replace or repair emergency rescue vessels for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s and Dunedin Fire Rescue boats impacted by recent hurricanes.
Shore Acres Denver Street storm drainage improvements: Rep. Lindsay Cross is requesting $2.9 million, a third of the total project cost, to improve conveyance capacity along Denver Street NE in Shore Acres from North Dakota Avenue NE to Pennsylvania Avenue NE. The goal is to reduce surface water flooding, which has become commonplace even during heavy rain events, in the low-lying neighborhood. The project includes installation of a new pump station.
Pinellas Science Center: Jacques has requested $2.5 million to preserve the existing Science Center, located in west St. Pete, and to construct a new building. Funding will cover a portion of design and plan development. The Science Center has been shuttered for years, but a recent push by local community leaders has yielded a plan to restore the once popular destination for school field trips and Summer camps.
Senior Center improvements: Chaney is requesting $2.5 million to remodel and expand the Senior Center in Gulfport, which provide services that allow seniors to remain active and live independently.
Florida Holocaust Museum Elie Wiesel Exhibition and Learning Center: Chaney is requesting $2.5 million to renovate the museum’s third floor to create permanent exhibition space for The Wiesel Collection. Renovations include secure, climate-controlled galleries, interactive displays, Wiesel’s reconstructed office and flexible classroom and reflection spaces.
The Dali Museum: Chaney is requesting $2.5 million to expand educational, programming and exhibition spaces at The Dali Museum in St. Pete, which is currently undergoing renovations to develop interactive art galleries. Private philanthropy and local partners are expected to match the state contribution.
Mahaffey Theater renovations: Cross is requesting $2.5 million, part of an overall $6.2 million project, to make substantial improvements to the city of St. Pete’s preeminent performing arts venue. Improvements include new theatrical lighting and sound systems.
Reclaimed water storage tank, Oldsmar: Anderson is requesting $2 million to add a reclaimed water storage tank at a high-demand area, such as the Oldsmar Sports Complex. The goal is to reduce nonbeneficial wet weather discharge into Tampa Bay, which currently happens due to insufficient capacity.
Lealman Exchange hurricane hardening: Chaney is requesting $2 million to increase step-down sheltering options in Pinellas County, which can last for months after a storm makes landfall. A non-public school step-down shelter allows continued shelter options for those who lost housing even as public schools must reopen for their main purpose as educational facilities. Funds would cover existing building mitigation to make it hurricane rated. Funds would also cover a backup generator and independent water and sewer capabilities at the existing Lealman Exchange.
Pass-a-Grille wastewater inflow and infiltration: Chaney is requesting $2 million to reduce groundwater and tidal inflow and infiltration into the city’s sanitary sewer system, which would improve wastewater quality, prevent sewer overflows and reduce chloride concentrations. Funding would cover labor, equipment and materials for the repair and replacement of gravity lines, lateral service lines, manholes and cleanouts.
Friends of Strays Dog Adoption Center: Chaney is requesting $2 million to complete the capital campaign to renovate a new dog adoption building and conduct site upgrades identified as necessary by the county. The project is expected to expand annual dog adoptions to more than 2,500. The project is part of the purchase in 2020 of two buildings to serve as dog and cat adoption centers.
Northwest water reclamation facility resiliency improvements: Chaney is requesting $2 million to provide backup emergency storage for sludge at the water reclamation facility in Northwest St. Pete.
YMCA of the Suncoast and Pinellas County Schools co-located facility: Anderson is requesting $2 million to locate the YMCA within an underutilized portion of school property. The appropriations request does not detail what school property would be used, but funds would be used to design, plan, engineer, permit, construct and furnish a full-service YMCA on school property.
Boca Ciega Drive reconstruction: Chaney is requesting $1.825 million to replace failing roadway, reclaimed water and sanitary sewer infrastructure along Boca Ciega Drive in St. Pete Beach that regularly causes leaks and potholes. The project also calls for modernizing the corridor with traffic-calming, new sidewalks, stormwater management and landscaping improvements.
Tarpon Springs Gulfview Drive/Ross Property project: Anderson is requesting $1.7 million to implement flood prevention improvements in the Gulfview Ridge and Florida Oaks subdivisions, known as the Ross Property area. The area currently experiences flooding related to poor drainage.
Pinellas County Housing Authority, Mills affordable housing development project: Anderson is requesting $1.5 million to help fund construction costs on a new affordable housing development that will include 78 affordable and workforce housing units in Tarpon Springs, called Mills.
Dunedin Bayshore water main replacement: Berfield is requesting $1.5 million to replace a 100-year-old cast-iron water main under Bayshore Boulevard from San Salvador Drive to Buena Vista Drive North in Dunedin. The current pipe is susceptible to corrosion and contamination and replacement reduces the risk of catastrophic failure, preventing traffic on evacuation routes and safeguarding lives through access to clean drinking water, according to the appropriations request.
Madeira Beach Emergency Operations Center and Fire Department training facility: Chaney is requesting $1.5 million to partially fund a new Emergency Operations Center in Madeira Beach, which would also be used to benefit neighboring Redington Beach and North Redington Beach, as Madeira Beach serves as their Emergency Manager. When not in use as an Emergency Operations Center, the facility would be used for training by the Gulf Beaches Chief’s Group and Gulf Beaches Training Group.
Gulfport Marina and neighborhood tidal flooding mitigation: Chaney is requesting $1.5 million to construct tidal control valves, vaults, a telemetry system and tidal gauges at the Gulfport Marina to mitigate tidal flooding impacts to the marina and surrounding neighborhoods.
South Howard flood relief: Rep. Karen Gonzalez Pittman is requesting $1.5 million — a fraction of the overall $64.5 million cost — to help fund construction of 8,000 linear feet of box culvert and pipes and new drainage inlets, as well as a new stormwater outfall to Hillsborough Bay to relieve flood conditions along the Howard Avenue corridor in Tampa.
Safety Harbor firefighter safety and infrastructure resiliency project: Anderson is requesting $1.279 million to purchase infrastructure equipment to support the emergency response community, including new garage door systems at fire stations, new fire station roofs and windows, new motors for the department’s fire boat and a new self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighter safety and health.
Allen’s Creek flood mitigation project: Berfield is requesting $1.2 million to reduce flood risk and improve water quality in the Allen’s Creek drainage basin in Largo, through the replacement of pipes and culverts with larger and more efficient models and the addition of new parallel pipes in some areas.
Safety Harbor stormwater pond modification project: Anderson is requesting $1 million for improvements to a local pond that serves as a critical component of the water shed. The project will support appropriate water flow to creeks within the watershed and prevent unnecessary flooding and erosion.
Elevate Bayshore: Berfield is requesting $1 million to design an elevated road along Bayshore Boulevard in Clearwater to minimize flooding from storm surge and intense rain events.
Meals on Wheels Pinellas County waitlist mitigation: Berfield has requested $1 million to fund a portion of salaries and benefits for a director, two operations managers, coordinators, assessment workers, an intake worker, site coordinators, a delivery coordinator, drivers and food aides. Currently, half of Florida seniors are at risk of malnutrition. The funding would facilitate meals for at least 500 seniors at risk of returning to the Meals on Wheels waitlist.
Pinellas Technical College St. Pete campus modernization: Anderson has requested $1 million to fund construction costs related to a modernization project aimed at strengthening the school’s position as a high-quality postsecondary institution, expanding workforce training and dual enrollment opportunities in high-demand programs.
Redington Beaches fire suppression unit: Chaney is requesting $1 million to improve response times for fire-related calls and emergency medical calls for service. Funding would cover a new fire suppression apparatus, improving response times and level of service.
Boley Centers behavioral health campus renovations: Chaney is requesting $1 million to renovate Boley Centers’ main campus to improve building safety, expand housing and service capacity and create flexible space for medical and behavioral health service delivery. The goal is to decrease homelessness, emergency room utilization and criminal justice involvement while also advancing recovery, self-sufficiency and community safety.
Madeira Beach roadway improvements: Chaney has requested $1 million, half of the total project cost, to improve road safety and quality in Area 6 of Madeira Beach. The funding would partially cover cost overruns related to the increased cost of construction and labor.
ARK Innovation Center at Pinellas County Schools: Koster is requesting $1 million to establish incentive funds for up to 12 companies to outfit space within the STEM-focused innovation center; develop curriculum and purchase materials; and retain consultants to assist with business partnership development, research, support and project management. The ARK Innovation Center provides middle school students with hands-on learning in emerging technology and fosters collaboration between public and private sectors in support of education, workforce development and economic growth.
Ronald McDonald House Tampa Bay: Chaney is requesting $990,684 for a hurricane recovery, mitigation and resiliency project, to complete improvements that were delayed by recent disasters in 2024. Funding would also help cover increased costs due to labor and construction cost increases.
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg Gills renovation: Chaney is requesting $950,000 to partially fund Phase 2 of renovations to the 25-year-old facility that serves more than 10,000 member families. Funding will support the build-out of new space for health, youth development and family engagement programs. It will also help fund security upgrades.
St. Pete Police K-9 facility: Rayner is requesting $950,000 to help fund design and pre-construction services to replace the existing St. Pete Police K-9 compound.
Learning Independence for Tomorrow (LiFT) Family Resource Center for Neurodiverse Families: Anderson is also requesting $925,000 to renovate and equip unused campus space at a current LiFT facility to establish a family resource center that would serve as a hub for neurodiverse individuals and their families to receive coordinate access to therapeutic, medical, legal, financial and educational services.
Florida Holocaust Museum education and research enhancements: Chaney is also requesting $850,000 to develop integrated Holocaust education materials for students, educators and partners; build an interactive virtual tour; advance research on Elie Wiesel, Thor and core Holocaust exhibits; and catalog, preserve and curate Holocaust artifacts. The goal is to preserve Holocaust survivor stories and ensure they become lasting educational tools to avoid repeating atrocities of the past long after those who lived them firsthand have passed.
Clearwater Harbor Marina ferry dock: Berfield is requesting $800,000 to rebuild docks in downtown Clearwater damaged in Hurricane Helene, restoring docking capabilities at the original planned location behind the BayCare Sound. The location allows riders to connect from Clearwater Beach and Dunedin to the park’s venue and nearby businesses.
Backup emergency power generator for Clearwater lift stations: Berfield is requesting $800,000 to upgrade 78 lift stations with generator connection boxes, replacing obsolete receptacles and allowing for rapid deployment of backup power during storm-related emergencies. The project aims to prevent widespread sewage backups and protect public health and private property.
C.A.L.I. Cares Community Health Clinic: Jacques is requesting $800,000 to establish an evidence-based community health and wellness clinic to improve behavioral health in Pinellas County through expanded access to quality care and the elimination of transportation barriers. The clinic would integrate counseling, case management, mentoring and transportation to promote recovery, stability and long-term self-sufficiency. Funding would partially cover an executive director salary; health insurance benefits for staff; salaries and benefits for licensed clinicians, health coordinators, mentors and support staff; transportation for clients in need; and contracted partners to support care coordination and reporting.
Pinellas Park lift station No. 30: Jacques has requested 750,000 to rehabilitate the lift station by replacing the force main to increase flow potential, volume and pumping efficiency to mitigate sewer overflow and pipeline failures.
Pinellas Park 60th Street drainage and Safe Routes to School: Jacques is requesting $750,000 to replace aging asbestos water mains and upgrade drainage systems to reduce flooding. Funds would also be used to improve sidewalks and crosswalks and implement traffic calming to enhance pedestrian safety, especially for children traveling to and from schools.
Tampa Bay Watch shoreline protection and water quality: Chaney is requesting $750,000 to cover salaries and benefits for various staff, miscellaneous travel and equipment costs and engineering, fabrication and installation costs related to the project, which seeks to mitigate the risks of sea-level rise. The project seeks to stabilize the shoreline, provide food sources and foraging areas for various species, and increase surface area for oysters, all of which improve water quality within the Tampa Bay estuary.
Pinellas Park pond dredging: Cross has also requested $750,000 to help fund dredging of accumulated sediment, repairing damaged headwalls and improving water flow at three ponds in the Autumn Run neighborhood, enhancing flood control, preventing erosion, supporting healthy ecosystems and preserving the community’s natural resources.
St. Petersburg Free Clinic, food cost mitigation: Cross is requesting $750,000 to purchase fresh produce, meat, dairy and bread through Free Clinic vendors to distribute to residents in need. Cross estimates the return on investment to equal a value of more than $3.3 million in free groceries. The Free Clinic works to address food insecurity by reducing barriers to nutritious food, but has faced challenges with affordability. The state is able to leverage bulk purchasing, lowering costs and fueling the ROI.
Pinellas Park lift station No. 30: Jacques has requested $750,000 to replace a force main, increasing flow potential, volume and pumping efficiency and mitigating sewer overflow risk.
Directions for Living Baby Community Action Treatment (CAT) Team: Berfield is requesting $670,000 to fund salary and benefits for a director of reunification and support, a program supervisor, two case managers, two counselors and one staffing facilitator. The Baby CAT program seeks to prevent children up to age 5 from entering the child welfare system as a result of abuse or neglect stemming from substance misuse among a caregiver or caregivers.
North Disston Heights water main renewal project, Tarpon Springs: Anderson has requested $600,000 to replace aging galvanized drinking water mains northeast of downtown Tarpon Springs, replacing up to 5,300 feet of aging water lines that are currently causing water quality and leakage issues.
McGough Nature Park boardwalk replacement: Jacques is requesting $560,000 to partially fund replacement costs for the current 35-year-old boardwalk at the Largo park, which is not Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant and is beyond its useful life.
Florida Orchestra: Berfield is requesting $500,000 to support the next phase of planning for a permanent home for the Florida Orchestra, which serves 155,000 guests annually in the Tampa Bay area and is the state’s largest orchestra. The funding will pay for consultants in the areas of theater and concert hall planning and design, acoustics, market analysis, fundraising, cost estimation, architecture and engineering.
Gulf Coast Jewish Family & Children’s Service security and tech upgrades: Berfield has requested $500,000 for the second phase of a project to improve infrastructure at the Clearwater campus, including facility hardening to protect against external safety threats such as gunfire, forced entry, vehicular assault and potential bomb threats. Funding would pay for various security upgrades including bollards, ballistic shielding, exterior lighting, security cameras, entryway hardening and a new security vestibule.
PARC Center for Disabilities: Chaney is requesting $500,000 for the program’s Bert Muller Home, which provides housing and care for 48 people with developmental disabilities. Funding would allow for the replacement of facility components that give an institutional feel, with items that instead provide a sense of home. The project includes modernizing 5,400 square feet of common and recreation space, including new flooring, ceilings, lighting, painting, cabinetry, counter tops, furniture, fixtures, equipment, window treatments and durable wall protection.
The Dali Museum, expanding education and outreach: Chaney is also requesting $500,000, half of the total project cost, to support the recent expansion of the Junior Docent Art Program to serve about 15,000 Pinellas County middle school students, up from just 75.
Northside Christian School campus hardening and security enhancements: Chaney is requesting $500,000 as part of a $4.5 million project to enhance campus security at the private school. Improvements include secured perimeter fencing, badge-only entry and an advanced intruder alert system.
Childs Park storm drainage improvements: Rayner is requesting $500,000 to modify the sediment sump in Childs Park, a neighborhood in St. Pete, to better manage surface water runoff. The upgrades would optimize sediment capture, reducing system blockages and improving overall conveyance performance. The project would also mitigate surface water flooding.
Pinellas Opportunity Council Emergency Assistance Program: Cross is requesting $500,000 to partially fund salaries and benefits for two case managers and provide services for 400 clients. The program serves low-income, economically disadvantaged individuals and families who may face homelessness by providing short-term emergency financial assistance for rent or mortgage payments, utility bills, food and clothing.
Menorah Life St. Petersburg security and safety initiative: Berfield is requesting $490,000 for safety upgrades identified as necessary through an independent security assessment, including better perimeter lighting and emergency call technology. A nonprofit senior living facility, Menorah Life serves more than 900 senior residents and employs more than 250 staff members.
Ruth Eckerd Hall emergency upgrades: Anderson is requesting more than $485,000 to replace and upgrade outdated fire alarm and HVAC systems and install hurricane-rated glass, allowing the facility to remain open year-round for both public events and emergency use during a crisis. Ruth Eckerd Hall currently serves as an emergency command and housing center for disaster preparedness and for law enforcement as an emergency response training facility.
Eckerd College search and rescue: Chaney is also requesting $364,811 to support operations and infrastructure improvements for Eckerd College’s student-staffed volunteer maritime search and rescue team, which works in collaborations with the U.S. Coast Guard, 911 and other agencies to provide free 24-hour maritime assistance to boaters in Tampa Bay and adjacent waterways. The group responds to more than 400 maritime distress calls per year.
Belleair drainage improvement equipment: Berfield is requesting $350,000 for a street sweeper to reduce the amount of debris entering the drainage and stormwater system, preventing flooding.
The C.A.L.I. Career Builders workforce program: Jacques is requesting $350,000 to expand the program to serve at least 100 low-income adults with job training, case management, life-skills workshops, mental health services, internships and job placement assistance. Funds would cover a portion of the Executive Director salary as well as salaries and benefits for instructors, case managers, career coaches, an employer engagement coordinator and a program director. Additionally, funding would pay for employer site visits, community recruitment, transportation stipends for students and laptops and tablets for training.
Pinellas Preserve: Berfield is also requesting $300,000 to acquire 75 acres of waterfront land in Pinellas County for land and water conservation efforts.
Lincoln Cemetery: Driskell is requesting $300,000 to bring the Lincoln Cemetery up to code and add a remembrance area honoring the at least 247 U.S. war veterans buried at the cemetery dating back to the Civil War. The project also includes an information section, lighting, fencing and signage. State funding would support salaries and benefits for an office manager and site manager, property cleanup, site work and truck maintenance.
Goodwill Pathways: Valdés is requesting $256,035 to partially fund salaries and benefits and other various expenses related to the Goodwill Industries Suncoast’s Goodwill Pathways program, which assists survivors of human trafficking plan for their future after initial stabilization services have been rendered.
Pinellas Trail culvert project: Anderson is requesting nearly $176,000 for flood mitigation east of the Pinellas Trail in Tarpon Springs from Harrison Street to East Curlew Place. The project seeks to improve an existing 30-inch trail cross-drain.
Safety Harbor City Hall security improvements: Anderson is also requesting $160,000 to implement security that is currently lacking at Safety Harbor City Hall, including up-fit doors and locks, closed circuit camera systems, new lighting and windows and a public address system. Funding would also support a remodel of portions of the building in need of fortification.
AMPLIFY Clearwater Chamber Foundation’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy: Berfield is requesting $140,500 to support the academy through funding allowing it to offset tuition, coordinate business professionals, host a pitch night investor event, support recruitment and other academy needs. A portion of funding would also pay for curriculum licensing, instructional materials, student workbooks and digital resources. The academy is an entrepreneurship program serving middle and high school students.
City of Dunedin high-water rescue vehicle: Anderson is requesting $100,000 to purchase a highwater rescue vehicle to ensure the safe rescue and transport of residents during flooding or other high-water emergencies.
St. Petersburg College
Law enforcement and field training support: Jacques is requesting $989,592 to provide new equipment at the SPC regional training center, which provides training for 13 local law enforcement agencies and several state, federal and military organizations. New tools would provide scenario-based training in deescalation, crisis response and mental health awareness.
Applied Mental Health Certificate for first responders: Anderson is requesting $501,000 to fund salary and benefits for a project coordinator and an administrative assistant, as well as various equipment, tools, resources and services needed to facilitate the program. The certificate is the state’s first academic program that equips first responders with essential mental health skills, covering emotional intelligence, crisis intervention, domestic violence and advanced counseling skills.
Pasco County
East Pasco Emergency Shelter: Rep. Randy Maggard has also requested $20 million to establish an emergency shelter and recreation complex in eastern Pasco County at a location that is not currently served by either. According to Maggard’s funding request, more than 77,000 people live within 10 miles of the proposed shelter site, with 48% of them being low- to moderate-income earners who may live in substandard housing. Growth in the area is expected. The facility would offer space for recreational programs and activities encouraging health and when needed would serve as emergency shelter space complete with emergency response services aimed at reducing responder load.
Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center Enhancements: Maggard is also requesting $12.5 million for safety and security enhancements at the existing Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center in Dade City. Improvements would include new safety corridors, inmate holding areas, a sallyport and other court-specific safety features.
Trinity Forward Operating Center: Rep. Brad Yeager has requested $8 million in nonrecurring funds to build and equip a new operating center at the existing Trinity substation to better prepare for and respond to storm surge events. The new location would be closer to areas west of U.S. 19 recently impacted by widespread flooding than the existing storage location used in Land O’Lakes. The location would provide secure storage for water rescue vehicles, including boats and high-water vehicles.
Wesley Chapel Family YMCA Community Center: Maggard has requested $1 million to fund a small portion of an overall $36 million project developing a previously vacant lot at the intersection of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and Eagleston Boulevard into a new YMCA that would serve about 40,000 households within just minutes of the new space. The new facility is planned to include a lap pool and splash pad, athletic fields, a gymnasium, wellness center, multipurpose and community spaces and a playground.
Pasco/Hernando State College: Maggard has requested $750,000 to further support the Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, through operational funding support for the School of Health Science and Nursing. The funds would be nonrecurring.
Regional
Tampa Bay Water regional water resilience and expansion: Alvarez is requesting $2 million to begin construction on a fifth treatment process train, as part of a massive nearly $146 million project that aims to increase Tampa Bay Water’s annual average yield of existing surface water supplies by 10 million to 12.5 million gallons per day.
Feeding Tampa Bay: Owen is requesting $1.9 million to fund various tools and infrastructure to support operations at Feeding Tampa Bay, which aims to transform about 10 million to 15 million pounds of surplus produce over the next three to five years into an additional 7 million 12 million meals for Florida families.
Tampa Bay Water: Maggard is requesting $1 million to strengthen the resilience and security of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system at Tampa Bay Water’s Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant, by replacing aging infrastructure.
Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough County youth advocate program: Anderson is requesting $750,000 to support various overhead costs, such as salary and benefits, equipment and supplies, for the regional youth advocate program providing wrap-around services to up to 250 high risk youth who have interacted with the juvenile justice program. Such services aim to reduce recidivism, truancy and negative behavior, while increasing academic and vocational engagement.
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas advanced fall detection for at-risk residents: Anderson is requesting $550,000 to purchase and install noninvasive, AI-driven overhead light fall detection systems for at-risk seniors and provide them with one-year service subscriptions that provide continuous monitoring, data management and response coordination.
SPCA Tampa Bay shelter safety and preparedness: Berfield is requesting $484,500 for a secure perimeter fence and generator, ensuring staff are protected from intruders and that backup power is available in emergencies.
AmSkills, Inc. Tampa Bay youth and home school skilled trades accelerator: Anderson is requesting $265,000 to partially fund staff salaries and benefits and to purchase various training equipment, tools, safety gear and more to support AmSkills’ training and career readiness programs for home school students, high school students and young adults ages 18-24. The goal is to prepare participants for skilled jobs in manufacturing, utilities, public works and stormwater.