Many local business owners rely on grants from community redevelopment agencies to make ends meet.
- What You Need To Know:
This year, the legislature considered major changes, including the possibility of eliminating CRAs by 2045, creating an uncertain future - One of the owners of Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill said they’ve used $22,000 in CRA grants to make renovations
- The Clearwater CRA said it is always concerned legislation could eliminate the agency
Spectrum News reached out to last session’s CRA bill sponsors to see if the bills will be filed again and didn’t get an answer. CRAs were created to eliminate blight and revitalize urban areas.
This year the legislature considered major changes, including the possibility of eliminating CRAs by 2045, creating an uncertain future.
Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill, one of the businesses keeping an eye on the issue, is under new ownership.
“I’ve always been a businessman and started off when I was a kid and through my college years in the restaurant and bar business,” said Dan Mahoney, co-owner and manager of Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill.
Mahoney is part of the ownership group that took over about eight months ago. He said having a business in downtown Clearwater can be difficult with seasonal tourism.
“It significantly slows down in the summer, and it’s a challenge,” he said.
To help the business thrive, they’ve been making renovations since they bought the place. About $65,000 went into a new patio set-up and kitchen and bar equipment. Mahoney said $22,000 in CRA grants helped offset the cost.