Sunrise St. Pete Launched! $160M Disaster Recovery Plan Unveiled

Sunrise St. Pete: Our City's Next Chapter of Recovery and Resilience

St. Petersburg is taking a bold step forward with the unveiling of “Sunrise St. Pete,” a comprehensive disaster recovery and resilience plan fueled by $159.8 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In response to the damage caused by hurricanes Idalia (2023) and Helene (2024), this initiative isn’t just about rebuilding it’s about reimagining how our city can grow stronger, safer, and more inclusive in the face of future storms.

A significant portion of the funding, over $100 million, is being dedicated to housing programs. This includes elevating and repairing storm damaged homes, assisting first-time homebuyers, and launching a voluntary buyout program for properties located in high risk flood zones. Families facing financial hardship from storm-related disruptions will also be eligible for up to $15,000 per household to help cover rent, mortgages, or utility costs. At the same time, the city is aiming to expand the availability of affordable housing by offering developers up to $125,000 per unit to build new rentals for low- to moderate-income residents.

Beyond housing, the plan also invests in the nonprofits that support our most vulnerable neighbors. Up to $1.25 million will be allocated to strengthen community based organizations and improve their ability to respond during future emergencies. Infrastructure improvements are also on the horizon, with funds going toward mitigation projects that make public systems more storm resilient and reliable when it matters most.

What makes this plan especially impactful is its focus on equity. At least 70% of the funds must directly benefit households earning 80% or less of the area median income meaning that the majority of this investment is centered on helping those who need it most. Programs are expected to start rolling out in 2026, aligning with St. Pete’s long-term strategy for creating a stronger safety net for the next generation of residents.

Community involvement is a key part of the process. A 140-page draft of the full plan is now available for public review, and residents are encouraged to offer comments through June 23. Two public hearings have also been scheduled: one virtual meeting on June 3 at 2 p.m., and one in-person session at City Hall on June 12 at 5 p.m. All feedback will be considered as the city finalizes the plan and prepares its submission to HUD.

This is more than a storm response it's a citywide reset. From protecting affordable housing to modernizing infrastructure and investing in community-driven resilience, Sunrise St. Pete is the start of something deeper. It's a chance to rebuild with intention, to listen to local voices, and to shape a safer, more connected future. Whether you're a homeowner, a renter, a business owner, or a neighborhood advocate—this plan was made with you in mind.

So now the question is: how will you help shape it? Let’s keep the conversation going.