AARP is Investing $156,000 in Florida Communities as Part of Nationwide Grant Program

• Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC), Kissimmee, FL: The BECC Empowerment Express will transform a minivan into a mobile resource hub, delivering digital literacy, health resources, financial education, and disaster preparedness to over 1,500 older adults in Osceola County. This initiative will provide essential services and support directly to the community.    

• City of Hialeah, Hialeah, FL: Hialeah will improve crosswalks along Palm Avenue with domino-themed designs to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility. This project aims to create a familiar and engaging environment for older adults, promoting safer crossings and reducing vehicle conflicts.  

• City of Tampa, Tampa Bay, FL: The project will fill a 750ft sidewalk gap on East 12th Ave in front of Hacienda Villas, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility. This will enhance walkability for residents, especially those age 50 and over, and connect them to key destinations and transportation options.  

• Collaboratory, Ft. Myers, FL: This project will connect older adults struggling with housing costs with fellow older adults seeking affordable homes in Southwest Florida. It aims to provide financial relief, companionship, and increased safety, allowing homeowners to age in place while offering secure housing to older adults in need.  

• Friends of the Commodore Trail, Coconut Grove, FL: This project will improve safety and accessibility along the Commodore Trail in Coconut Grove, Miami-Dade. Activities include trail clean-up, new wayfinding signage, and pedestrian safety upgrades, making the trail safer and more accessible for all, especially older adults.  

• PORCH, Port Charlotte, FL: The Duplex Design Competition will invite designers to create low-maintenance, age-friendly homes where older adults can age in place. The project aims to balance privacy and community, promoting a healthier and more stable future for older adults.  

• Taylor County Emergency Management, Perry, FL: This project will recruit and train volunteers to become certified CERT members. Community outreach initiatives will raise awareness about disaster preparedness and CERT program participation. Training sessions will cover basic first aid, fire safety, and disaster medical operations.  

• Waukesha Way, Inc, Bonifay, FL: This project will enhance Bonifay's walkability with vibrant painted crosswalks and age-friendly park upgrades, including ADA-compliant paths, shaded seating, and fitness stations. These improvements will promote safety, mobility, and community connection for older adults, fostering physical activity and social engagement.  

The AARP Community Challenge grant program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.

To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Florida as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view the AARP Livable Communities Map – a free, interactive tool with information on AARP Community Challenge grantees and members in the Network of Age-Friendly States & Communities.