Plant City commissioners have approved a $250,000 matching grant to help restore the Bing Rooming House Museum, which is still recovering from major flooding caused by Hurricane Milton.
The museum, owned by the Improvement League of Plant City CDC, has been undergoing cleanup for the past 19 months. William Thomas Jr., president of the organization, said floodwater rose about four feet inside the building. “The Bing House Museum suffered major water intrusion, rising to about four feet,” Thomas said. “As you can see, our floor is buckling along the inside of the museum.”
Museum leaders have raised $50,000 toward restoration. The city’s $250,000 matching grant, funded through community redevelopment agency dollars, will help move the work forward.
Plant City Commissioner and Vice Mayor Jason Jones said the money will help restore an important part of the community’s history.