LTE: Michael English Tampa Bay Times Dec. 25, 2017 The 2018 Florida legislative session is almost upon us, bringing with it the introduction of two bills attacking community redevelopment agencies, or CRAs. The proposed legislation would enact crippling limitations in an attempt to impede the creation of new CRAs and phase out existing programs all…
Dr. Woody Brown Tampa Bay Times Dec. 22, 2017 Largo is looking pretty good for being almost 113 years old. We’re a little older and a little wiser, but we’re certainly not your grandmother’s Largo anymore. The city is committed to community revitalization, and we know that means that we have to be focused on…
Michael Simon Sun Sentinel Dec. 20, 2017 With increased buzz surrounding Florida’s community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), there has been a considerable amount of misinformation going around. It’s time to sift through the untruths and share the facts about CRAs. CRAs are created by local governments to revitalize targeted areas that have been neglected or forgotten.…
Chris Hand Florida Times-Union Dec. 19, 2017 The Florida Constitution is clear: It protects the important principle of home rule, which recognizes that cities and counties are often best positioned to address their own needs. As the Palm Beach Post editorial page recently explained, “local officials are better equipped to respond quickly to local residents.…
Traffic is moving a bit slower on South Main Street in Gainesville, which is a good thing, if you ask members of the Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency. The CRA has officially started what will be a yearlong renovation project expected to revitalize a major roadway leading to the downtown area, all the while creating a…
(pop. 47,809) Salary: $63,011.52- $96,808.61Annually Posting Date: 12/14/2017 Closing Date: Continuous until filled http://www.stcloud.org See full job posting
Florida Politics Nov. 17, 2017 With the House of Representatives now trying to take out community redevelopment agencies (CRAs), the head of the Florida Redevelopment Association is fighting back. “Community redevelopment agencies breathe new life into communities that have been neglected or forgotten, and their impact goes far beyond the buildings and roads they help develop,” said Carol…
Historic Overtown will serve again as a cultural hub for the African Diaspora, with the seventh annual Art Africa. Organizers hope that the seventh time — which represents completion — means the event will continue to create change through arts and culture. Art Africa Miami Arts Fair explores how Black Arts respond to the assaults…
2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SESSION SUBMITTAL FORM DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTAL JANUARY 31, 2018 NOTE: INCOMPLETE FORMS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED BY THE COMMITTEE. if you have questions regarding your submission, contact Carol Westmoreland, cwestmoreland@flcities.com
AVON PARK — It is a pleasure to recognize Gerald Snell as our Unsung Hero for September. Snell, an Avon Park native, is a vital part of his community, constantly helping his neighbors while reaching out beyond his own circle, volunteering his time and energy. Read the full article.
Community redevelopment agencies (CRAs) are incredibly successful tools for breathing new life into communities that have been neglected or forgotten. Their purpose is to eradicate physical blight in its many forms – through local leadership and a publicly vetted redevelopment plan. There are no state or federal monies spent by CRAs. Revenues used by CRAs…
Winter Haven, Florida, a city of approximately 40,000 in Polk County, was incorporated in 1911. It is located in the midst of Central Florida’s famous Chain of Lakes, a series of 24 lakes that lie at the headwaters of the Peace River basin. In the 1920s and ‘30s, the citrus industry expanded throughout the area,…
