Three of the properties will increase the amount of park space in the city’s downtown, while two will specifically expand the city’s crown jewel: Lake Eola Park. The purchases, totaling $19.4 million, will be paid for by Community Redevelopment Agency funding and will not affect the city’s budget. The city has openly wished to buy…
With praise from local and state officials, the first phase of the St. Peter Claver Place affordable housing community, with 136 units, was blessed by Bishop Frank J. Dewane on February 27, 2024. The Diocese of Venice partnered on the project with National Development of America, Inc. (NDA), and was supported by the City of…
In a landmark decision, Lake Wales is set to reclaim the Walesbilt Hotel, a historic but neglected downtown icon, following a Circuit Court ruling. The city’s long-standing legal battle with the property’s current owner, Dixie-Walesbilt LLC, culminated in a victory that addresses false claims made during the renovation contract bidding process in 2010. While the…
Haines City, Florida, is embarking on a significant initiative to rejuvenate the historic Oakland community’s business district, a move that’s stirring excitement among both former business owners and residents alike. This effort, led by the Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency, aims to restore the vibrancy of an area that was once the heart of the…
Orlando leaders are eyeing some properties downtown because they want to use them to help the area grow. The Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency met Wednesday and approved buying the buildings to be redeveloped. A fire destroyed 30 S. Orange Avenue years ago. The city recently leased it, but hasn’t been able to do much with…
The Rotary Club of Winter Park and the Community Redevelopment Agency will present the 45th Annual Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 2. More than 60 organizations and businesses will march through downtown beginning at 9 a.m. with Fr. Richard M. Walsh, Pastor of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, serving as Grand…
Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency officials say they plan to build public restrooms at McKenzie Park. The CRA and the downtown improvement board are partnering on the project. The plans call for a total of four restroom stalls with an estimated cost of $200,000. Read the whole article here.
The Panama City CRA approved its newest Executive Director on Tuesday. CRA stands for Community Redevelopment Agency, and in Panama City, they’re tasked with infrastructure improvements, attracting new businesses, and rebuilding downtrodden areas. Jonathan Hayes is a Panama City native who took over as city manager last month, and on Tuesday, he added a new…
In January 2020, Walker Architects, working with the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency, announced its vision of a revitalized Main Street, also known as Block 12. Walker’s ultimate vision was to “create new community space.” Fireman’s Park was created from the remains of the Williston Fire Department and the old Coca-Cola bottling plant. It was dedicated…
There is a for-sure way redevelopment of the downtown and the area. A strong market with finances will create a redevelopment area subject to the types of businesses interested in relocating or expanding into the area. The best and quickest way is to establish a Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency area. The city should issue 20-year,…
The Panama City Beach City Council took several proactive steps Thursday to advance the progress on future segments of the Front Beach Road Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). The Council approved two resolutions for task orders with Chandler and Associates and Deal Consulting, for the appraisal of properties needed for Segment 4.3 of the Front Beach…
In the heart of Pensacola, Florida, a story of resilience and community spirit unfolds at the Frank R. Marson American Legion Post 33. Established in 1919, this post has witnessed the ebbs and flows of a century, from its inception to celebrate patriotism and unity, to facing the brink of oblivion. Today, under the stewardship…
