Valor Preserve vets-housing complex opens

SEMINOLE — Organizers of the grand opening for the Valor Preserve at Lake Seminole affordable housing complex debated about holding the ceremony for the development just a week after Hurricane Helene decimated many parts of the Tampa Bay area.

But with Valor Preserve, a 64-unit development that is geared toward disabled veterans and their families, already at full capacity, and another storm on the horizon, they decided to host the event Oct. 4.

And a large crowd showed up, as the collaborative Valor Preserve project, which broke ground in April 2023, has been highly anticipated for its ability to help fill the gap in the region’s affordable housing market.

“This is a great day for the Pinellas County Housing Authority,” Neil Brickfield, the agency’s executive director, said to start the ceremony, which was attended by Seminole Mayor Leslie Waters and other city officials as well as Pinellas County Commissioners Rene Flowers, Brian Scott and Charlie Justice.

“But it couldn’t happen without our partners. And we’ve had many partners who have helped this project become a reality,” Brickfield added.

Brickfield introduced representatives of several of those partners, including Brian Evjen from Newstar Development, who said they have completed several projects with the PCHA, “But this one feels different, especially this week with so many people losing their homes from Hurricane Helene.”

Indeed, officials estimated more than 19,000 homes in Pinellas County were damaged by the Category 4 storm, with more than 11,000 rendered uninhabitable and 236 destroyed, making the already significant need for housing in the county even more urgent.

To that point, Kevin Marrone, president and CEO of the Boley Centers, said he was “so glad this event wasn’t postponed, and it’s a testament to the recognition that the people living here now are safe.”

Marrone said the project “really showcases the power of partnerships,” adding it represents “a source of hope and stability for those who need it most in their lives. We believe that housing is the foundation for rebuilding lives and we’re grateful for the partnership with the Housing Authority to fulfill that mission.”

Eric Loller, an official with EverBank, said the dedication to vets means a lot because “veterans are very important to us. They give everything, including their lives, for our country, and we want to give back.”

Before the ceremonial ribbon was cut and the crowd was allowed to tour the Valor Preserve clubhouse and individual units, Commissioner Scott said, “There’s been a lot of tragedy this week, and we could all use a bit of good news. And bringing 64 affordable housing units online today, when it’s so sorely needed, I think we are all thankful for that.”

With that the crowd dispersed, and Brickfield took a minute to speak about Valor Preserve’s completion.

“This feels incredible considering the week Pinellas County just went through,” he said while comparing Valor Preserve to a “Phoenix rising from the ashes” of the devastation.

“We’re going to get through his by addressing the issue of affordable housing in Pinellas County, and this development represents 64 families who didn’t have to worry about their homes when so many of their neighbors were in danger.”