TAMPA, Fla. – A $24.7 million federal grant has been awarded to the City of Tampa to revitalize the historic Palmetto Beach neighborhood. The “Pathways to Palmetto” project aims to enhance safety, accessibility, and resilience in this diverse but underinvested community.
Mayor Jane Castor expressed her gratitude for the grant, secured by U.S. Representative Kathy Castor, emphasizing the importance of addressing the area’s transportation deficits and coastal climate vulnerabilities.
“This historic investment will uplift the Palmetto Beach community,” said Mayor Castor. “By improving accessibility, providing flood relief, and conserving waterfront space, we are transforming Tampa’s tomorrow for generations to come.”
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The project will focus on Bermuda Boulevard, a vital roadway along McKay Bay that currently faces challenges such as narrow sidewalks, unmarked parking, and expansive travel lanes. Planned improvements include seawall reconstruction, the addition of seawall trails, resurfacing and narrowing travel lanes, formalizing on-street parking, upgrading sidewalks, adding pedestrian crossings, and planting trees.
With an additional $6.1 million match from the City of Tampa, the project represents a total investment of $30.8 million. City officials are working with the U.S. Department of Transportation to finalize the grant agreement, and the project is expected to take up to 5 years to complete.
This comprehensive transformation of Palmetto Beach demonstrates a significant commitment to revitalizing one of Tampa’s most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods.
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