Hillsborough County Residents Get $211M Storm Aid

0:00Hillsboro County homeowners hit hard by hurricanes. Haleen and Milton now got a lifeline with $211 million in aid due to rebuilding for tomorrow program. They kicked off a call center this week to guide folks on repairs or full rebuilds, pulling from a massive $709 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The call centers all about prepping people ahead of applications opening May 1st answering questions and helping gather docs so nobody gets caught. Off guard, officials say it's already buzzing with nearly 60 residents calling in right away plus callbacks to folks who left messages early. A year and a half out from those storms, the damaged lingers big time homes, a place like plant city still uninhabitable, families crammed into one. Room, neighbors losing hope after bouncing between failed aid programs. Insurance fell short for many, leaving everyday folks like single mom still patching drywall and fences on their own dime.

1:00To qualify, you got to own and live in the home or be displaced with taxes paid up and household income no more than 120% of the area median, prioritizing those under 80%. They offer up to $350,000 to rebuild or 150,000 for repairs not covered elsewhere with leftover funds, fixing roads, canals, and stormproofing the whole area. Call 813-540-7767 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., expanding in May to longer hours including Saturdays. Line up your eligibility now and when May 1st hits, submit that app release finally flowing where it's needed most. I'm Corey with the story. That's your Tampa Bay news today update. AI powered and always on.