Hillsborough Veterans Population Soars To No. 1 In State

TAMPA, FL – Home to both a major Air Force Base and a large VA hospital, Hillsborough County has long been a place where veterans could find a home when they retired. Now, the numbers show the county is the No. 1 place in Florida for veterans.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported 98,307 veterans lived in Hillsborough County in its 2016 fiscal year, more than any other county in Florida. The number showed an increase of 5,135 veterans over the previous fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, 2015.

The number does not reflect the thousands of active-duty servicemen and servicewomen who also live in Hillsborough County.

By comparison, Jacksonville’s Duval County had 91,296 veterans living there in fiscal year 2016, and Pinellas County had 90,533.

Also according to the report, the VA spent more than $1.1 billion in benefits and programs in Hillsborough County during the previous fiscal year. The total includes:

• $490,033,000 for compensation and pension
• $476,061,000 for medical care
• $118,979,000 for education and vocational rehabilitation/employment
• $14,944,000 for construction
• $8,798,000 for insurance and indemnities
• $5,998,000 for general operating expenses

Hillsborough County also assists veterans through its Consumer & Veterans Services department. Certified Veterans Service Officers assist military members and their families at four locations for free. Staff also provides outreach and support to veterans in assisted-living facilities, nursing homes, private residences and private businesses.

For more information or assistance, visit www.HCFLGov.net/Veterans or call (813) 635-8316.

Image courtesy of Hillsborough County, Florida, Government Facebook page