Community

Few places in Florida have faced as many challenges recently as Taylor County. Nestled in Florida’s Big Bend region and known as the ‘Tree Capital of the South,’ this rural community has endured three major hurricanes in just 13 months, including Hurricane Helene whose Category 4 force left the coastal towns of Keaton Beach and Steinhatchee devastated.

In Southwest Florida, one organization has a an ambitious task of uniting residents, leaders, and thought partners to tackle the region’s toughest social issues — and it's a winner of AARP's Community Challenge grant!

Tampa Bay is "moving" towards a more livable future! AARP is happy to announce that The City of Tampa is one of ten winners of this year's Community Challenge Grant program — a meaningful contribution towards transforming the city's transportation system.

AARP Florida proudly congratulates Sarasota County on reaching a major milestone: 10 years of dedication as an Age-Friendly Community.

Looking for a fun, informative, and family-friendly outing this summer? Join AARP Florida at the Museum of Discovery and Science for a day of exploration, entertainment, and valuable resources.

Coconut Grove, a historic neighborhood in Miami-Dade County, is home to one of this year’s AARP Community Challenge Grant winners: Friends of the Commodore Trail. This five-and-a-half-mile nature trail has been a popular place for walking, biking, and socializing. However, it’s also much more to the community – this trail connects 13 parks and 12 schools, is a wildlife corridor, and gives neighbors a way to meet each other.

In Florida’s southwest region, the town of Port Charlotte, known for its beaches, outdoor events, and a community of warm people, is now also home to one of the 2025 AARP Community Challenge Grant winners! Peace River Community Housing Partners (PORCH), a local nonprofit, was awarded $16,000 to address the need for affordable housing among older adults in the city.

Tiffany Jeffers is originally from Baltimore, but in Florida, she’s recognized as the unapologetic heartbeat of the Black community in Osceola County. Her organization, the Black Empowerment & Community Council (BECC), founded in 2024, has quickly cemented itself into the fabric of Central Florida—and we're proud to share that BECC is one of just 10 recipients of AARP Florida’s 2025 Community Challenge grant. In a short time, the organization has made a powerful impact by connecting, uplifting, and advocating for the local community.

One of the core tenants of AARP's Livable Communities initiative is providing everyone, regardless of ability, the opportunity to age safely and securely in their own homes. In Jacksonville, a local nonprofit — The Arc, Jacksonville — believes the same. This organization is making incredible strides in advocating for individuals with intellectual and developmental differences, and they are one of 10 winners of the 2025 Community Challenge grant program in Florida!

At the crossroads of Florida's State Route 70 and U.S. Route 17 lies Arcadia, Florida — a small, rural town and one of the winners of AARP Florida's 2025 Community Challenge Grant, a program which funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places, housing, transportation, and more.