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Board approves $3.00M grant to replace Regency Cove electrical grid after residents plead for help
Summary
Following extensive public comment from Regency Cove residents about prolonged outages and storm damage, Hillsborough County approved a $3,000,764 local housing fund agreement to replace electrical infrastructure serving 431 senior households in the mobile-home community.
Hillsborough County commissioners on Dec. 17 approved a $3,000,764 local housing funding agreement to replace the electrical infrastructure at the Regency Cove mobile-home community, a move county staff said would preserve 431 senior households threatened with displacement after 2024 storms.
Cheryl Howell, assistant county administrator for community impact, told the board staff assessed storm damages, FEMA constraints and the feasibility of repairs; the county's contribution would cover work between private homes and the TECO/utility connection, not TECO-owned infrastructure. "This request is for approval of $3,000,764 and it's really to help 431 seniors preserve their home," Howell said.
Residents urged the board to act. Dennis Hayes, president of the Homes of Regency Cove association, described weeks without reliable power and the need to replace buried cables and pedestal meters: "The money this money would assist in accomplishing this project," he said during public comment, adding that many residents live on fixed incomes and could not afford assessments of $10,000 to $15,000 per unit.
Staff explained selection process and FEMA limitations. Howell and other staff said earlier post-storm outreach evaluated multiple communities across the county. Some sites initially considered in South County could not be served with this funding because FEMA rules or elevation requirements made rehabilitation infeasible; staff said those obstacles constrained which communities could be helped immediately.
Board debate and outcome: Commissioners expressed mixed feelings about transparency of site selection and urged clearer communication to other districts that also faced storm damage. Several commissioners said the county will continue to pursue other funding avenues, including federal CDBG and recovery grants. The motion to approve the Regency Cove funding passed 6 to 0.
Next steps: Staff will finalize and execute a local housing funding agreement with Regency Cove representatives and coordinate implementation with TECO and the community association.
