U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced today that her team worked to deliver over $10.1 million in aid, benefits and refunds to veterans, seniors, small businesses, and families in 2024. In addition, $1,469,469,742 in federal grants were secured for the community for investments in education, infrastructure, good-paying jobs, safer neighborhoods, and cleaner, cheaper energy. Castor credits her team, local partners and nonprofits in helping win such significant federal investments for the Tampa Bay area.

“Collaboration and teamwork are key to making progress for Tampa Bay. My congressional constituent services team works tirelessly to cut through red tape on behalf of families, veterans, and businesses. In a year with unprecedented challenges due to the hurricanes, our neighbors needed our team to assist them more than ever. I am grateful for all that Steven Angotti, Tania Fernandez, Damaris Gonzalez and Sean Saintil – as well as the entire Castor Team – did this year. I could not be prouder of my dedicated casework team that went above and beyond to help Tampa Bay families rebuild and navigate FEMA and Small Business disaster assistance. Their expertise and compassion are critical to ensuring that families and small businesses can thrive, that our Veterans receive the benefits they have earned and that Social Security and Medicare benefits are delivered on time.

“The growing Tampa Bay area continues to reap the benefits of federal investments, thanks to the historic Infrastructure law, Inflation Reduction Act and the work of Biden-Harris Administration – and we need it. A record 386 federal grants were awarded across the Tampa Bay area in 2024 including, but not limited to, critical investments for the Tampa International Airport and Port Tampa Bay, cost-saving electric school busses, job trainings and expanded health care services. I love my hometown and am committed to lifting every neighbor by eliminating costly junk fees, addressing the serious maternal and infant health crisis by working to reduce stillbirth rates in the United States, protecting outdoor workers in Florida by finalizing safety rules for hazardous extreme heat, and lowering Floridians electric bills through modernized energy efficiency strategies. I take my responsibility seriously to advocate for neighbors across the Tampa Bay area and will never stop working to secure federal dollars for our vibrant community.

“This year, I was also proud to continue pushing for the passage of legislation to protect our children online, create lasting solutions to solve the climate crisis, and create more high-quality, affordable health care options. With 56 pieces of legislation introduced in the 118^th Congress, I kept community needs and the best interests of families at the forefront of my work so I could continue to deliver for you.

“I am grateful for the work of my team and the partnerships with local leaders, businesses and nonprofits. They inspire me to serve and work to keep the Tampa Bay area the wonderful place that it is to live and work.”