Pasco Growth Playbook: Grants, Roads, Jobs & Housing — Commissioner Kathryn Starkey tells all

Pasco County is getting $580+ million in CDBG-DR funds for hurricane recovery and long-term resilience — but who qualifies, how do you apply, and where is the money going? Commissioner Kathryn Starkey joins Katrina on Tampa Home Talk to break it all down: homeowner reimbursements, repairs/elevations, voluntary buyouts, small-business help, and infrastructure projects. We also cover the Pasco Comprehensive Plan (growth, tree canopy, lot sizes), 54/41 flyover timing, micro-transit pilots, connected trail network (Orange Belt & Coast-to-Coast), Ridge Rd extension, and the latest on jobs & economic development (Moffitt/Angeline, workforce housing, AMskills). Key takeaways CDBG-DR relief ($580M): reimbursement for storm damage (Idalia, Helene, Milton), repairs/elevations, buyouts, blight cleanup, business support; income & duplication-of-benefits rules apply. Eligibility notes: primary residence at time of damage; up to 80% AMI (e.g., 4-person household threshold ≈ $83,450); taxes/mortgage current or on a plan; flood insurance may be required. Public info sessions (6:00 pm unless noted): Nov 18 (J. Ben Harrill Rec, Holiday), Nov 19 (West Pasco Gov Center), Nov 20 (Veterans Memorial Park), Nov 22 (Alice Hall, Zephyrhills), Nov 24 (Historic Courthouse), Nov 25 Land O' Lakes (6:30 pm). Comp Plan updates: better growth patterns, more tree preservation & canopy, larger minimum lot standards moving forward. Transportation: 54/41 flyover (FDOT now planning US-41 over SR-54), new east-west connectors (Rangeland), possible Suncoast connections, micro-transit pilots. Trails & parks: Orange Belt Trail build-out; bike overpasses at SR-52 and SR-54; future 200-acre bike park concept in the east side. Housing & ADUs: countywide accessory dwelling unit ordinance (size/parking/setbacks matter); push for workforce & senior housing. Economic development: manufacturing & defense-related growth; workforce training with AMskills; business relief where revenue was impacted by storms.