Starke receives community center renovation funds

The city of Starke was awarded $700,000 Tuesday to renovate the RJE Community Center.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced funds of more than $5.4 million going to four rural Florida communities to Starke, Callahan, Haines City and Labelle for development projects.

“This $5.4 million in infrastructure funding we are awarding today will create opportunities for families and strengthen local economies,” said DeSantis in a press release. “We are yet again providing our small and rural communities with the resources they need to grow.”

According to the release, the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-CV program, and the Small Cities CDBG program will fund the projects.

The renovations at Starke’s community center will include installing an emergency generator, replacing and repairing the building’s roof, bathrooms and windows. The structure will also include an addition and on-site grading for stormwater runoff.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ commitment, these small and rural communities will have the resources they need to thrive,” said Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Acting Secretary Meredith Ivey in the press release. “DEO is proud to work closely with the communities receiving awards to rehabilitate homes and strengthen infrastructure for future economic development opportunities.”