Author Archives: Erica Thaler

Hallandale Beach CRA Allocates $1 Million for Rent Stabilization Program to Provide Financial Assistance to Low to Moderate Income Tenants

In the wake of South Florida experiencing the largest year-over-year rent increases in the state at 57.2%, the Hallandale Beach Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Board of Directors voted unanimously on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, to approve the Rent Stabilization Program. The Program allocates $1 Million in rental assistance for qualifying tenants living within the CRA…

Tampa City Leaders Prepared to Spend CRA Dollars on Renovating Historic Jackson House

Tampa city leaders say they are committed to doing anything in their power to save the historic Jackson House on Zack Street. Constructed in 1901, the building was once a boarding house in Tampa‘s Central Avenue district, providing accommodations for African Americans during the Jim Crow era and segregation. Legendary musicians, politicians and civil rights leaders…

New YMCA Opens on Historical Ground in Fort Lauderdale

A brand new YMCA in central Fort Lauderdale’s Sistrunk Corridor opened on Friday morning. “It’s a very unique building. There’s not another one like this in the country,” Sheryl Woods, of YMCA of South Florida, said. The building stands at 65,000 square feet and over $20 million was spent to create multiple exercise facilities, a preschool, classrooms,…

‘The Unofficial Mayor of West Augustine’: Greg White to Get Top Award From St. Augustine

Driving through West Augustine, people probably won’t see Greg White Sr.’s name in flashing lights, but his influence is everywhere, friends and city officials said. White, 74, has lived in the community for decades and has devoted years to service, including time as chair of the West Augustine Community Redevelopment Area Steering Committee. He’s a…

Tampa Wrestles With Affordable Housing Crunch in Budget

Mayor Jane Castor, with the help of a federal influx of cash, has budgeted $26.4 million for affordable housing in her proposed $1.9 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1. But when staff ran that number by City Council members at the first budget hearing last week, the reaction wasn’t favorable.…

Your Local Park Has a Hidden Talent: Helping Fight Climate Change

Consider the unremarkable city park. A postage stamp of green amid the concrete. Trees, swings, grass, a basketball hoop. Maybe your park has a public pool. Maybe it has a walking path or a barbecue grill or a leafy spot that’s good for watching birds. Yosemite it is not. Your park is not a vacation…

Florida Named the Best State to Retire in 2022, Study Says

Whether it’s kicking back on the porch reading the newspaper, enjoying the outdoors or just being closer to the grandkids, post-career goals vary for people. But all states are not the same when it comes to retirement, a recent study from Bankrate found. Bankrate conducted a study to find the best and worst states for retirement in…

Bayshore Drive Finalist for Great Places in Florida Award

The Florida chapter of the American Planning Association has announced that Bayshore Drive in Collier County is a finalist for the 2022 Great Places in Florida Award! Great Places in Florida is a unique award program because communities submit nominations, and the public determines the winner. Each year the nominees focus on unique, memorable places…

Bayshore Drive in Collier County Tapped in Final Four Among ‘Great Healthy Places’ Contest

Bayshore Drive is one of four finalists vying for the title of “Great Healthy Place in Florida,” and its advocate is asking Collier County to help it win. The people’s choice award comes from the American Planning Association’s Florida chapter, and the finalist neighborhood that gets the most votes gets the honor. Debrah Forester, Collier…

City of Lakeland Announces Valerie Ferrell as CRA Manager

The City of Lakeland is pleased to announce Valerie Ferrell as CRA Manager, effective Monday, September 12th.   As CRA Manager, Ferrell will oversee the operations and manage the Dixieland, Downtown and Midtown community redevelopment areas. Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a Division of the Community and Economic Development Department that focuses on areas that…

City of Tampa Takes Next Step Towards New Recreation Center

The City of Tampa is moving forward with a new multi-use recreation center. On Wednesday, construction workers demolished an old food market that would free up 1.8 acres of land for the new facility. The City of Tampa says taking down the food market right behind me is the next step towards developing a 10-acre…

New Florida Program Trains Local Commissioners on State, Federal Issues

Longboat Key Commissioner Penny Gold is among those planning to take part in a new Florida League of Cities certification program, which provides opportunities for elected municipal officials to become more familiar with state and federal issues that might affect local government, trends and best practices. FLC Associate Director of Communication James Miller said the league is made…