TAMPA, Fla. — The Carrollwood Cultural Center is scrambling to fill the gap after losing $58,000 in funding for next year’s budget.

“Art and cultural organizations across the state were cut from the approved $116 million state budget, so organizations like the center will not receive any funding,” said executive director Paul Berg.

Carrollwood Cultural Center has been providing a creative outlet for the community since 2008.

Currently, hundreds of children are participating in summer camp there. Executive director Paul Berg said state dollars usually help keep the activities going.

He has run the center since it opened. Berg said he’s never seen a time when there was no funding for arts programs.

“This year was a complete and utter shock for all of us,” Berg said. “We’re left, going through our budget process, trying to figure out how do we make up those funds.”

Through social media, Berg reached out to supporters to share the news. He’s hoping there will be more donations and sponsorships to help fill the funding void. Already, he said, one anonymous donor has stepped up to help.

Berg said they are trying hard not to cut staff or programs.

“It’s just how do we go about this and try to make sure we’re doing what’s best for the community,” Berg said.

Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to governor DeSantis’ office to find out why the funding was cut.

A spokesperson said the governor reviewed every part of the budget and made veto decisions that were “in the best interest of the state of Florida.”