City targets T‑Mobile Hometown Grant for farmers market water and paving improvements

The city administrator asked the Duval City Council on Sept. 2 for permission to apply for a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant (up to $50,000) to fund infrastructure improvements at the Duval farmers market, including water bottle refill infrastructure and repaving to increase vendor capacity. Staff said the grant requires a shovel-ready project that cannot otherwise be funded through municipal sources and that proposals should show strong community support and be feasible within 12 months. Councilmembers supported the application and suggested emphasizing sustainability (water refill stations) and local business benefits in letters of support. Staff said the application deadline is Sept. 20 and that the grant reopens quarterly if this round is unsuccessful. Council gave the administrator permission to proceed; staff will prepare the application and solicit letters of support from nonprofits and council members.