Pinellas reopens home repair program for up to $75,000 in funding
To help local people stay in their homes and maintain their property, Pinellas County has reopened its state-funded Home Repair Program offering financial help up to $75,000 for critical needs like roofs, windows and AC replacements.
This support comes in the form of a fully forgivable loan. That means homeowners planning to sustain roots in Pinellas will not be required to pay back the loan nor make any monthly payments as long as the home is their primary residence.
The program is designed to preserve existing homes and help low-income homeowners struggling with the high cost of maintenance, homeowners insurance and major home repairs.
The program had temporarily closed in early 2025 to redirect funds to emergency home repair needs following hurricanes Helene and Milton. After launching the People First Hurricane Recovery Programs, funded by an $813-million federal disaster recovery grant, the county now has capacity to help homeowners with non-storm related repairs.
The county has also reopened its Independent Living Grant to add accessibility improvements like wheelchair ramps or grab bars, with up to $20,000.
Pinellas County now has a range of programs to assist locals with buying or repairing homes in addition to the Home Repair Program, including:
• Down Payment Assistance up to $75,000 for income-eligible home buyers
• People First Homebuyer Assistance up to $80,000 for people who lived in Pinellas during the 2023-2024 hurricane season to buy a home outside the flood hazard area
• People First Homeowner Reimbursement up to $50,000 for completed hurricane-related repairs.
• People First Homeowner Rehabilitation/Reconstruction up to $375,000 to fully rebuild and/or elevate hurricane-damaged homes.
Homeowners who make up to $58,450 or less a year as an individual ($83,450 for a family of four) can qualify for both programs to make improvements to their primary residence.
The programs are available for homes in unincorporated Pinellas and most cities, except for Belleair Shore, Largo, Clearwater and St. Petersburg.
St. Petersburg, Clearwater and Largo have similar loan forgiveness programs for home repairs and many Tampa Bay counties and cities offer other programs to help low to moderate income homeowners make critical repairs. Check city websites for program information and current availability.
Program details and an online application is available online at pinellas.gov/homerepair.
Heritage Village landmarks officially designated historic
Pinellas County have officially designated the Plant-Sumner House (1896) and the House of Seven Gables (1907) as local historic landmarks, marking a significant milestone in Heritage Village’s yearlong 50th-anniversary celebration.
The “From Dedication to Designation” ceremony, held March 28 at the 21-acre living history museum, represented the transition of these two historic homes from museum exhibits to permanently protected landmarks. The designation honors five decades of historical stewardship, beginning when the structures were first relocated to the park in 1976.
“Historic preservation is about stewardship,” said County Commissioner Chris Latvala during his keynote address. “The places around us hold meaning, memory and identity. By preserving them, we ensure that future generations better understand where we came from and how our community has grown.”
Commissioner Brian Scott, who serves as chairman of the Historic Preservation Board, reflected on the structures’ 50-year journey at Heritage Village.
“History isn’t abstract — it’s built into the places we can still touch and experience,” Scott said. “This site shows what’s possible when a community commits to saving its history: buildings are repurposed, stories endure and visitors of all ages gain a living understanding of the past.”
The 50th anniversary festivities will continue throughout 2026 with themed exhibits and the ongoing Oral History Project, which invites residents to archive their own personal testimonials of life in Pinellas County.
For a full calendar of upcoming anniversary events, visit heritagevillagefl.org/50thanniversary.
Burke named ‘250 Public Service Champion’
CLEARWATER — Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Ken Burke has been nationally recognized as a Government Champions 250 honoree, a distinction celebrating exceptional public servants across the United States.
The recognition is part of Local Gov 250, a nationwide initiative commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. The program highlights the critical role local governments play in shaping American democracy through service, innovation, and community impact.
Burke was selected by the National Academy of Public Administration and its partners for his “outstanding contributions to public service and his commitment to strengthening transparency, accountability, and efficiency in Pinellas County government,” the Clerk’s Office said in a press release.
As Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Burke oversees a wide range of essential services including maintaining official records, managing county finances, and promoting transparency in local government operations. His leadership has helped enhance public access to information and strengthen trust between citizens and their government.
“I am honored to be recognized alongside so many dedicated public servants across the country,” Burke said. “This recognition reflects the important ongoing work being done in Pinellas County as we serve our community with integrity and excellence.”
Nominees from across the country will gather to celebrate their contributions to public service at the national recognition event on May 12 in Philadelphia.
County celebrates opening of new Dansville Park
Pinellas County officially opened the new Dansville Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony March 31. The 12-acre park is in the unincorporated Greater Ridgecrest area at 12701 Wilcox Road.
Marking the opening were County Commission Chair Dave Eggers, Parks and Conservation Resources Director Paul Cozzie, Friends of Ridgecrest President Wanda McCawthan, and David Baldwin, grandson of neighborhood founder Dan Henry.
“Not so long ago, federal funding, combined with our very own Penny for Pinellas, allowed us to take on intergenerational projects like this one, projects that leave an enduring legacy for our children,” Eggers said. “The opening of this new park is a historic achievement, a testament to the lasting impact of Dan Henry, who founded the neighborhood, and a milestone in the life of Dansville and the greater Ridgecrest community.”
The new Dansville Park includes the Dansville retention pond (Mill Pond), a multiuse path, sidewalks, benches, a picnic shelter, restrooms, a parking lot, and open green space. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. – sunset.
County to switch treatment during routine water maintenance
Pinellas County Utilities will conduct routine maintenance on the water system in order to optimize water quality.
The method of water treatment will be temporarily changed from chloramine to chlorine disinfection beginning May 18 through June 6.
Water will continue to meet all federal and state standards.
Kidney dialysis patients should not be impacted but should contact their dialysis care provider for more information about chlorine disinfection and how it affects their treatment. Fish owners should not be affected if they already have a system to remove chloramines but should contact local pet suppliers with any questions.
For more information, visit pinellas.gov/utilities or contact Pinellas County Utilities Customer Service at 727-464-4000.