Good News From Florida’s CRAs

The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) put a spotlight Wednesday on its oyster restoration project along the Manatee River, a multi-month effort researchers say is already helping scientists measure how habitat work can improve water quality. Out on the water, investigators described the site as a real-life “living laboratory,” where they’re not only placing restoration…

A City of Orlando program established in August 2025 has been helping homeless people find permanent housing — not through traditional brick-and-mortar shelters, but through buses. The program, called 407 Connect, is a partnership project involving the city, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Christian Service Center for the Homeless. The aim of 407 Connect…

Cape Coral’s Community Redevelopment Agency increased its total net position, a measure of assets minus liabilities, by 19% during fiscal year 2025, ending the year with $19.5 million, according to audited financial statements released by the city. The agency reported a $3.1 million increase driven by continued growth in property tax revenue within the redevelopment district, scheduled…

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is asking the community a deceptively simple question: What makes Fort Myers innovative? Through a new online survey at TheInnovationWalk.com/Ideas, anyone with a connection to the city can name the people, places, ideas, and objects that capture its spirit of innovation. Every submission becomes part of a public gallery…

The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has released the Midtown draft plan, rounding out the initial updates for each of its redevelopment areas. The Midtown plan was created in 2001, and a gap analysis showed that ~85% of its original goals have been completed. Now, the CRA has four new ones for its largest district:…

The value of all property within the Lake Wales city limits surged past the billion-and-a-half dollar mark at a rate topping other area cities in the past year, according to figures released by the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office. Annexations, new apartments, restaurants, and scores of new homes added $187,209,619 property valuations for the City…

Riviera Beach has won its first All-America City award for its focus on young people and strong neighborhoods. The city is one of 10 selected Sunday by the National Civic League based on progress in bringing people together to build lasting change. An overjoyed Riviera Beach delegation took the stage at the 77th annual award…

While Port Richey’s CRA isn’t set to dissolve until 2032, city leaders are looking for ways to spur major investment before the district’s remaining years run out. At a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting in June, board members approved a revision to the redevelopment incentive policy to include catalytic projects, which are real estate or infrastructure…

After months of research and public feedback, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) released a draft of the updated Dixieland district plan — its first update since 2001. Here’s what the draft plan recommends to keep up with Dixieland’s evolution: District definition — Brand the district with a nod to its historic character, add signage throughout the…

McCollum Hall is a two-story building on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Cranford Avenue on the eastern side of downtown Fort Myers, just past the railroad tracks on the western edge of the Dunbar Community. Built in 1938, McCollum Hall was a crown jewel for commerce and entertainment and served…

Construction crews are moving in to completely demolish and replace the historic Rey Park Center in West Tampa, launching a nearly $4 million modernization project funded by the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The original facility was built back in 1955 as the centerpiece of a 1.35-acre park. Rather than patching up the aging…

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) joined community leaders, project partners, and residents in celebrating the grand opening of The Spruce, a transformative mixed-use development in Northwood Village. The ribbon-cutting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to expand workforce housing opportunities and support thoughtful redevelopment throughout the city. Developed through a…

Fort Myers City Council and Indiana-based developer Card & Associates are moving forward with the planning stages of a sports complex and community center in Midtown. It would sit along Broadway Street, on and around the site of the City of Palms stadium, which the city is preparing for demolition. Card’s Vice President of Real…

Pompano Beach officials and “New Downtown” master developer Rocapoint Partners unveiled the newly hired architectural team tasked with designing a replacement for the E. Pat Larkins Community Center, at 520 NW 3rd Street. The announcement came during a “New Downtown Pompano Beach Community Meeting” at the Larkins Center ballroom, sponsored by the city and the…

The Newberry City Commission approved site plans for two concrete batch plants during a regular meeting on Monday, before confirming Planning and Zoning Board appointments and moving forward with a $125,000 purchase of property downtown to build a parking lot. The vote in favor of the Norfleet Batch Plant was unanimous. According to meeting backup documents, the 54-acre site will operate at 2802 NW State Road 45 north of the Easton Newberry Archery…

An interim agreement was executed by the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Walesbilt Hotel developer, Restoration St. Louis Inc. The CRA will pay Restoration St. Louis Inc. a sum not to exceed two million dollars to design and prepare the hotel for construction. The agreement authorizes the developer to implement project goals, assess…

Miami’s oldest and historic Black neighborhood is now home to one of the largest mixed-income transit-oriented developments in Miami-Dade County. County and city of Miami officials as well as project partners ushered in the new Atlantic Square, a 36-story tower which yields 616 apartment units including 320 for workforce units and 40 for affordable housing,…

They may not have a crystal ball, but part of the gig at the Lakeland Economic Development Council (LEDC) is to see what’s coming in the city’s future. Downtown Lakeland is at the center of a few major changes. Developers are working to transform the East Main District, just past the overpass by The Joinery,…