Tampa Bay Water Secures $10M State Grant
The utility will use the funding to expand surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons per day as part of a statewide spring restoration initiative.
By William Turner ·
Tampa Bay Water will receive $10 million from the state to expand its surface water treatment capacity by 12.5 million gallons per day. The funding was part of a $100 million package announced by Gov. Ron DeSantis for 45 projects aimed at restoring Florida’s springs and expanding alternative water supplies.
The state has allocated this money to address growing demand for water resources across the peninsula. Since 2019, Florida lawmakers have appropriated a total of $385 million for the Alternative Water Supply Grant Program. This specific award to Tampa Bay Water focuses on increasing the volume of treated surface water available to the region’s utilities.
The grant is one of several major infrastructure investments in the area. In Lake Mary, the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded nearly $1 million to support wind-resistance upgrades and backup power at local fire stations. These improvements, which include the Port Richey Fire Department and city administration buildings, are designed to withstand winds up to 151 mph. The broader FEMA award supports 121 disaster recovery projects across the state with more than $94 million in total funding.
Local government bodies are also moving forward with new leadership and schedules. The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board elected Dustin Rowland as treasurer for the 2026-27 term. Rowland, who represents Pasco County and serves as owner of Rowland Truck Lines Inc., was appointed to the board in February 2023. He joins Jack Bispham, Ashley Bell Barnett, and John Hall as the newly elected officers.
Pasco County has announced its November public meeting schedule, which includes a planning meeting on Nov. 5 in Dade City and a commission meeting on Nov. 17 in the same location. Another planning meeting is set for Nov. 19 in New Port Richey. These sessions are open to the public and broadcast on local channels, with virtual comment registration required by 4 p.m. the day before each meeting.
The Zephyrhills community will host its annual Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon in the historic district along 5th Avenue. The event features local veterans and community organizations, continuing a tradition in a city founded in 1910 as a retirement community for Civil War veterans. Residents are encouraged to line the streets to honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
