Zephyrhills holds public hearing for community park improvement grant application

The City of Zephyrhills held a significant meeting on April 15, 2025, focusing on the Citizens Advisory Task Force (CATF) recommendations and budget visioning for upcoming projects. The meeting began with a public hearing to discuss potential grant applications, particularly for improvements to Zephyr Park and the Alice Hall Community Center.

City officials emphasized the importance of public input in the grant application process. The meeting included a call for public comments, during which community members expressed their support for enhancing Zephyr Park. Erica Freeman suggested using grant funds to revitalize the park and transform Alice Hall into a community center. Rod Veil echoed this sentiment, highlighting the park's value to the community and advocating for public funds to improve it.

Following the public comments, the discussion shifted to the specifics of the grant application process. City staff outlined the requirements for applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, noting that the city has not received a grant in five years, which could provide them with a competitive advantage. The total available funding for this cycle is $40 million, with no maximum limit on individual requests, although previous cycles had a cap of $750,000.

City officials discussed the potential for combining requests for park improvements and stormwater management, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address both community needs and environmental concerns. They noted that the application could include various project components, such as drainage improvements and park amenities, to maximize funding opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a consensus to move forward with the grant application process, with plans to present a detailed project outline and cost estimates at a subsequent public hearing. City officials encouraged continued community engagement and input as they prepare for the May 16 submission deadline. The discussions underscored the city's commitment to enhancing local infrastructure and community spaces through strategic funding initiatives.