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Hernando awarded funding in state's $88.7 billion budget

 
Ralph Cocchi, 70, rests in a canoe in front of his property at 6178 Cyril Drive in Ridge Manor in October, which flooded after Hurricane Irma. The recently approved state budget includes money to build a secondary road into the River Heights Estates neighborhood.  DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD  |  Times
Ralph Cocchi, 70, rests in a canoe in front of his property at 6178 Cyril Drive in Ridge Manor in October, which flooded after Hurricane Irma. The recently approved state budget includes money to build a secondary road into the River Heights Estates neighborhood. DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times
Published March 22, 2018

A handful of local projects made it past the veto pen as Gov. Rick Scott finalized an $88.7 billion state budget last week. In fact, every Hernando County project received funding.

Florida Sen. Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, who represents Hernando, Citrus and part of Pasco counties, told the Tampa Bay Times Monday he was glad to see the state support projects ranging from mental health services in schools to roadway improvements in areas most severely affected last year by Hurricane Irma.

"The quality of these projects is very strong," he said. "We are very, very pleased."

Project SeaHORSE: The budget includes $205,000 toward a program to provide high school students a "continuum of mental health supports." According to the Hernando County School District, the allocation will fund mental health services embedded into standard high school schedules for which participating students will receive academic credit. Group and individual life coaching and planning will be available through qualified therapists and educators. They will teach students how to heal from trauma and develop coping skills, the school district said.

• Cyril Drive roadway project: The county received $1.3 million to build a bypass roadway near Cyril Drive, currently the only way in and out of River Heights Estates in Ridge Manor. The area was under several feet of floodwater following Hurricane Irma. The money will be coupled with the county's budgeted $700,000 to improve drainage in the area and create a secondary way out if the neighborhood floods again. It is surrounded by the Withlacoochee River. Simpson called the project a "top priority."

• Calienta Street roadway project: The governor okayed $260,000 in state funding to supplement the county's budgeted $140,000 to widen and improve Calienta Street in Hernando Beach. The road, which leads to the county boat ramp and several residential neighborhoods, has seen increased traffic in recent years, according to the county. Monies will pay for design, permitting and plans for widening the road and improving its stormwater drainage system.

• Hernando Beach fire station No. 6 renovation: The state allotted $1.2 million to renovate the nearly 40-year-old Hernando Beach fire station, which the county took over last year from the Hernando Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The funds — $300,000 less than the county's ask — will pay for a new kitchen and bathroom, and replace the building's walls and roof. The 600 square feet of living area will be elevated to protect it from flooding and expanded to 3,500 to 4,000 square feet. The larger space will allow for dorms, multiple bathrooms, office space and a fitness area, according to county plans.

• Brooksville fire station No. 2 renovation: The city of Brooksville, whose 1980s fire station is in dire need of renovation, received $353,150, a fraction of the city's $1.5 million ask. The money will pay for design and engineering. The plan includes expanding and updating facilities.

• PACE Center for Girls: PACE, an alternative education program for girls championed by Simpson and approved by the state in 2016, received a $1.4 million continuation allotment. Classes are housed in portables at John D. Floyd Elementary School, where students will remain until a permanent location is secured.

Contact Megan Reeves at mreeves@tampabay.com. Follow @mareevs.

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