A proposed luxury hotel and apartment complex near the Edison Ford Winter Estates has sparked debate among Fort Myers city council members over zoning changes and development density along the historic McGregor Boulevard corridor. Developer Mark McLaren of KLM Development presented plans for what he calls “River District West” during a city council workshop on…
The project sign went up Monday morning on the vacant lot on North Ridgewood Drive in Sebring where Sadie’s Place will be built and right away a passerby, Debbie McGuire, commented that it looks like the Journal Plaza in Lake Placid. X-Urban Construction co-owner Ken LeBlanc, and his construction manager Joe Martin, erected the sign…
The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday reviewed three business items and explored a new proposal aimed at strengthening the connection between the city’s popular natural springs and its downtown core. During the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, the CRA heard a presentation outlining a potential free shuttle service that would transport visitors between several…
Over the holidays, the Fort Myers Mural Society installed murals on the obelisks flanking Edwards Avenue that recognize two early female pioneers, Tootie McGregor Terry and Dr. Ella Mae Piper. Tootie McGregor Terry left the greatest imprint of anyone on the early development of Fort Myers. She changed the topography of the town by convincing…
Palmetto recently earned national recognition for using environmental remediation to turn a contaminated wasteland into a community park. What was once a contamination site from railroad operations, Connor Park opened in 2023 after nearly a decade of collaborative work. In August, the $3.8 million project won a Phoenix Award from the Environmental Protection Agency, an…
City of Orlando staff presented updates on upcoming projects listed in the DTO Action Plan. They say that funding comes from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). David Barilla, who is part of Orlando’s Downtown Redevelopment Board and CRA, says the plan is to make downtown a walkable city. “We wanted to make sure that we…
Kissimmee city commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday evening to renew the contract for a free downtown ride service that has seen significant ridership growth since its launch in 2023. The city’s contract with Freebee, a microtransit service that offers free rides in Tesla Model X vehicles throughout downtown Kissimmee, was up for renewal at a cost…
The City of Sanford, in partnership with the Sanford Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is excited to announce a new collaboration with Retail Strategies to provide virtual, no-cost, on-demand Small Business Support training for small, locally owned businesses throughout the City of Sanford. This innovative support program offers business owners convenient access to self-paced training videos,…
1/8/26 FRA Newsletter Highlights: 2026 FRA Annual Conference Date! FRA Award Showcase: City of Pinellas Park Redevelopment FRA Member News clips from: Fort Myers CRA, Riviera Beach CRA, Lauderdale Lakes CRA, Boynton Beach CRA, West Palm Beach CRA, and more linked articles Job listings: HCD Grants Manager – Miami Dade County; Division Director 2, HCD…
Riviera Beach leaders have approved a nine-month study of how to make it easier for city residents to use public transportation. Why it matters: As Riviera Beach grows, there will be more places to go and more traffic trying to get there. What’s happening: The City Council serving as the Community Redevelopment Agency board approved…
The Edison Awards’ vision for an Innovation Walk connecting downtown Fort Myers to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates is advancing after years of planning and community engagement, according to Edison Awards CEO Frank Bonafilia and Fort Myers City Councilman Liston Bochette. The concept, which Bonafilia said originated from “the Edison Awards years of experience, incredible…
1/1/26 FRA Newsletter Highlights: 2026 FRA Annual Conference Date! FRA Award Showcase: City of Lake Wales Redevelopment FRA Member News clips from: Lauderdale Lakes CRA, Boynton Beach CRA, West Palm Beach CRA, and more linked articles Job listings: Planner III, Urban Design – City of Hollywood; Planner III, General – City of Hollywood; Boynton Beach…