Pasco County officials told the Port Richey town hall that a HUD‑approved disaster recovery plan funded by about $585 million in federal aid will dedicate a major portion—roughly $205 million—to individual housing assistance, including reimbursements, repairs, rebuilds, elevations and buyouts. "This is a lot of money, and this is enough money to really move the needle in Pasco County," said Chuck Lane, director of the Office of Disaster Recovery Resources for Pasco County.

Local context and who it affects: Lane said HUD rules require 70% of funds to benefit households earning 80% of area median income (AMI) or less, although the county can provide some limited assistance up to 120% AMI for residents displaced by the storms. "We do have the ability to spend funds up to 120% of area median income," Lane said, but he cautioned that exceeding the 70% requirement risks federal clawback.

What the program covers and award limits: The program will reimburse out‑of‑pocket disaster expenses and fund repairs, rebuilds, elevation when code requires it, voluntary buyouts and temporary relocation while work is done. Lane described the award caps presented at the meeting: reimbursement awards commonly capped at $75,000; repairs up to $175,000; rebuilds up to $330,000; and elevation funding of up to an additional $100,000. Lane also explained manufactured/mobile homes have separate, lower caps and eligibility rules.

Duplication-of-benefits and documentation: Lane stressed county funds cannot pay for work already funded by FEMA, insurance or other federal sources. He illustrated the rule: if a repair has an eligible cost of $100,000 and FEMA already provided $40,000, county funds may cover the $60,000 balance, subject to documentation and case‑by‑case review. "We're going to do an exhaustive search" for prior benefits, he said.

How to apply and timing: The county launched the individual housing program the week of the presentation and has a live application link at mypasscode.net. Lane said each applicant will receive a case manager and the county will hold intake events with extended hours and walk‑in availability. For many straightforward applications, Lane estimated initial approval within one to four weeks; he cautioned environmental reviews and other checks can lengthen the timeline.

Insurance and ineligible expenses: Lane told the audience that federal rules generally prohibit paying private insurance deductibles through the program. He also said properties in designated floodplains will be required to carry flood insurance as a condition of assistance; that requirement would run with the land so that future owners also must maintain coverage.

Outreach and next steps: Council members asked the county to coordinate outreach to people who are "substantially damaged" and to provide materials for the city to distribute via its website, newsletter and utility bill inserts. Lane offered to connect city staff with county media contacts, and the county said it will maintain an updated HUD‑required project website and a staffed phone line to answer application questions.

What remains uncertain: Lane called many capacity and output numbers "educated guesses" and said caps and manufactured‑home rules remain under review. He urged residents to complete the application process and to work with case managers to document prior assistance and expenses.

The county presentation concluded with staff offering technical help at outreach events and by appointment. The town hall Q&A did not include any formal county vote or binding action by the Port Richey council; the program is administered by Pasco County under HUD rules.