City Completes First Home Renovation Through New CRA Assistance Program

The City of Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has completed its first home renovation project under the Residential Renovation Assistance Program, marking a major milestone in the city’s neighborhood revitalization efforts. The $24,073 project focused on replacing the home’s roof and windows—improvements that boost safety, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. Launched on October 1, 2025,…

Study: City has $235M Opportunity Gap

A presentation of a retail recruitment strategy given at Wednesday’s Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meeting pinpointed a $235 million opportunity gap in the city’s trade area. Garet Smitherman, portfolio director for Retail Strategies LLC, gave data on demographics, retail gaps, and peer analysis, identifying the need for more grocery stores and full-service restaurants. The city hired Retail Strategies LLC for $40,000 to provide retail recruitment services…

Weekly FRA Newsletter: November 13, 2025

Newsletter highlights: 2025 FRA Annual Conference highlights Redevelopment FRA Member News clips from: Tallahassee CRA, Fort Myers CRA, West Palm Beach CRA, Tampa CRA, City of Kissimmee, Clearwater CRA Job listings: City Manager – City of Avon Park, Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and Economic Development Coordinator – Pinellas County, Assistant Director of Community Development Services…