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NewsSt Pete CatalystOctober 23, 2026Pinellas County

Pinellas County Prepares $22.1 Million Grant Program for Storm-Damaged Businesses

Photo: St Pete Catalyst

Pinellas County is preparing to launch a $22.1 million Small Business Community Recovery Program offering grants ranging from $35,000 to $500,000 to help local businesses recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, potentially including some that have already closed. The program is expected to launch before the end of 2026. Grants will cover future operating expenses, equipment, commercial vehicles, and furnishings, prioritizing industries such as food service, hospitality, tourism, transportation, and childcare.

Economic DevelopmentDisaster ReliefSmall BusinessTourism
Read the full story at St Pete Catalyst

Why It Matters

Local businesses facing an estimated $525 million in unmet recovery needs can access grants between $35,000 and $500,000 to help stay afloat or reopen, though the $22.1 million fund covers only about 4% of the calculated shortfall.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

locationMadeira Beach“Tourist tax collections fell 35% in January 2025”locationSt. Pete Beach“Tourist tax collections fell 35% in January 2025”OrganizationPinellas County“Preparing to distribute $22.1 million in hurricane recovery grants”OrganizationWoody’s Waterfront“St. Pete Beach restaurant that closed following Hurricane Helene”OrganizationSmall Business Community Recovery Program“Program expected to launch before the end of the year to provide grants”OrganizationBDO Government Services“Administers the county’s disaster recovery programs”PersonKathleen Peters“Commissioner who questioned why the assistance program took so long”locationTreasure Island“Tourist tax collections fell 35% in January 2025”OrganizationSt. Pete Catalyst“Reported in December 2024 that approximately 1,100 businesses had been affected ”PersonRyan Flannery“Program director for BDO Government Services”