PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — Half a billion dollars was allocated as part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025 for Pasco County.
Some residents of Pasco County are now awaiting the disbursement of those funds, which are awaiting approval from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
After both her home and business were flooded, Marie Balan says time is crucial with another storm season approaching.
Balan’s Pasco County home of five years remains covered by a blue tarp after Hurricane Milton caused roof damage.
“That’s water,” she said while pointing to the roof.
She’s still coping with water damage and mold.
During the hurricane, her backyard flooded, and water started seeping into her window.
“Some people already flooded, so we put couches on top of each other and take chairs to the door,” she said.
Despite having flood insurance, Balan says it has been no help at all.
“We have racoon trying to get inside,” she added.
Fallen trees and debris are still not being managed.
“This is the reason why they require us to pay taxes — they need to step up,” she said.
As her home was struck by Hurricane Milton, so was Balan’s Tampa business, Kreyol Spice Cuisine. She’s not only mourning the loss of that $700,000 investment but also her mother, who passed away seven months ago.
“My mother was in the business with me from Pennsylvania; my business used to be Kreyol Spice Cuisine, and this is my passion,” she said.
Damaged appliances from her restaurant now sit in her backyard. She also had a storage unit with $15,000 worth of merchandise that has been sent to auction. The business was her only source of income. She has worked out a deal with her mortgage provider to avoid foreclosure.
“It’s not easy for us,” she said.
She’s still struggling to get back on her feet. As another hurricane season quickly approaches, she says time is running out to secure her home.
“To come up with $70,000 to put in my house as a young, single woman is not easy. This is my legacy; this is my kids' house,” she said.
Now, the only thing of value to her is the roof over her and her children's heads.
Pasco County is set to receive a direct allocation of $585,704,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as part of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-Disaster Recovery Program stemming from Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton.
