Díaz-Balart Delivers $7.2 Million to Strengthen Southwest Florida with New Everglades City Community Center

February 22, 2026 Press Release Everglades City, FL – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation, presented a $7.2 million check to the Everglades City to the Everglades City Community Center during the Everglades City Seafood Festival that took place on February 14, 2026. This funding will be used for the construction of a new community center, which will serve residents in Everglades City and the eastern unincorporated Collier County communities of Chokoloskee Island, Copeland, Jerome, Lee, Cypress, Ochopee, and Plantation Island. “Since Hurricanes Irma and Ian devasted Southwest Florida, I have worked relentlessly to help our communities rebuild stronger and more resilient. I was proud to join residents at the Everglades Seafood Festival to announce this critical funding to build a new community center that will give families a safe place to gather and provide students with after-school programs and expanded learning opportunities. I am grateful to Mayor Howie Grimm and City Clerk Dottie Joiner for their strong partnership and leadership in helping deliver these results for Everglades City,” said Congressman Díaz-Balart . Image Image Image Background This $7,200,000 project received funding through Senate Amendment to H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026 and was signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 3, 2026. ### Issues : Appropriations Appropriations Process Defense/National Security