POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsSt. Pete CatalystOctober 23, 2026Pinellas County

Pinellas County weighs allocation of $101.1 million in federal funding for flood protection projects

Photo: St. Pete Catalyst

Pinellas County officials are preparing to distribute $101.1 million in federal recovery funds for infrastructure improvements and flood protection, though a final list of funded projects has not yet been selected. The funding includes $53.4 million designated for county recovery projects and $47.7 million allocated for joint work with St. Petersburg to address shared flooding vulnerabilities. Officials plan to prioritize projects based on need and federal eligibility requirements rather than dividing the funds equally among municipalities.

FloodingInfrastructureEmergency ServicesDisaster ReliefLocal Government
Read the full story at St. Pete Catalyst

Why It Matters

The distribution of $101.1 million in federal funding will determine which flood-prone neighborhoods, vulnerable public facilities, and joint municipal infrastructure projects receive storm protection improvements over the coming years.

Key Facts

  • Pinellas County outlined $101.1 million in federal funding for infrastructure improvements during an Oct. 22 commission work session.
  • Out of the total funding, $53.4 million is designated for county recovery projects.
  • A total of $47.7 million is set aside for joint work between Pinellas County and St. Petersburg to reduce shared flooding.
  • County officials have not yet decided on a final list of specific projects or announced when construction will begin.
  • Projects will be selected based on need rather than divided equally among municipalities.
  • A countywide flood vulnerability assessment found 16 of 66 fire stations, 74 of 405 drinking water facilities, and 12 of 56 emergency operations facilities to be significantly exposed to storm surge.
  • St. Pete Beach and Clearwater have had to pursue replacement fire stations due to damage from the 2024 hurricanes.
  • An agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection extended the deadline for a broader adaptation plan to March 31, 2027.
  • An additional $5 million in federal recovery money is designated for planning and infrastructure vulnerability studies.
  • The infrastructure allocation is part of a broader $138.2 million package of hurricane recovery funding that includes assistance for small businesses and nonprofits.
  • St. Petersburg City Council endorsed a policy requiring engineers to consider natural features like rain gardens alongside traditional drainage systems.

Who's Mentioned

locationSt. Pete Beach“Had to pursue replacement fire stations following storm damage”otherHelene“Hurricane that caused flooding across the county”OrganizationPinellas County“Planning to spend federal funding on flood protection projects”PersonLori Dayland“Spoke for BDO Government Services during the commission work session”locationClearwater“Had to pursue replacement fire stations following storm damage”OrganizationFlorida Department of Environmental Protection“Agreed to extend the deadline for a broader adaptation plan”locationSt. Petersburg“Partnering with Pinellas County for joint flood mitigation work”PersonCarrie Jadus“Artist featured on the Arts Alive! podcast”OrganizationUSF“Received a grant to create an AI and cyber makerspace”otherArts Alive!“Podcast featuring artist Carrie Jadus”locationJoe’s Creek“Site of major flood protection efforts”locationCross Bayou Canal“Site of major flood protection efforts”OrganizationBDO Government Services“Employs Lori Dayland, who presented to commissioners”OrganizationSt. Pete Catalyst“Covered the countywide flood vulnerability assessment”otherMilton“Hurricane that damaged infrastructure across the county”