Save the Ozona Village Hall Damaged from Hurricane Helene!

REQUEST from Ozona Village Improvement Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization also known by its acronym, OVIS.

OVIS is a community organization representing the Ozona community in northwest Pinellas County, Florida. This unincorporated area consists of approximately 775 households and is located within the Palm Harbor area. We are north of Dunedin, south of Tarpon Springs, nestled between Alternate 19 and the St Joseph Sound.

OZONA VILLAGE HALL:

• Building completed 1900. Built by local residents with volunteer labor and donated materials.

• One of the oldest structures in continual community ownership and operation within Pinellas County

• Historical Local Landmark recognition by Pinellas County Commission in 2015

• Florida Heritage Site statewide recognition in 2017

• Ownership and management by OVIS

• A well-recognized and beloved building and local meeting spot

• Community events such as Halloween, Christmas, OVIS monthly meetings

• Residents use the Hall for private events

WHY THIS REQUEST?

• Severe damage from Hurricane Helene historic flooding in September 2024.

• Building located in Flood Zone A

• Ozona Village Hall flooded with 3 feet of water inside the building.

• Flooring destroyed

• Electrical system damaged

• All furnishings destroyed by flooding

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?

• Repair the Ozona Village Hall to return it to its community function as a local and historical meeting place

• Severe damage to flooring, electrical and plumbing. Must replace flooring, make repairs to the restrooms and the kitchen and replace all furnishings.

• Unique circumstances of a historical building require authentic materials to be used, for flooring specifically.

• Program of repairs and replacements defined with assistance of historical specialists.

• Elevate the Ozona Village Hall to protect the repaired building from future flooding.