Back alleys — long treated as little more than service corridors and shortcut routes — have emerged as a centerpiece of Dixieland’s new redevelopment vision. A 113-page “Restore the Core” plan presented to the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency’s advisory board on May 7 shifts the neighborhood’s focus beyond historic preservation and beautification toward connectivity. It…
5/7/26 FRA Newsletter Highlights: 🏆 FRA Awards Program – Now Open Submit your projects for the Roy F. Kenzie Awards, recognizing innovation and impact in redevelopment 📚 CRA Board Training (2 Sessions) June 11 | Winter Haven June 12 | Panama City Training for elected officials, board members, and volunteers on CRA governance, legal, and…
📍 Location: Clearwater, FL 💼 Position Type: Full-Time 💰 Target Entry Salary: $62,120 – $65,226 DOQ 📊 Department: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) 📅 Application Deadline: Continuous The City of Clearwater is seeking a CRA Specialist to provide administrative, project, and redevelopment support for the Community Redevelopment Agency Division. This role assists with redevelopment initiatives, economic…
“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Mark Bennett – Polk County, FRA Board of Directors Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Mark: Take advantage of the resources offered by the FRA. Use the website, attend the Academy and a certification, go to the conference, reach out to…
Members of Clermont City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) unanimously voted their support for the proposed Clermont Center Lake Botanical Garden. The development is part of Clermont’s Main Street’s larger Phase 2 streetscape, a continuous corridor running from SR50 to 8th Street and onto Lake Minneola. Main Street is a non-profit driven by Clermont business owners…
A Fort Myers community staple since 1965 may soon get a facelift. First steps are underway in an effort to expand and upgrade the Edison Mall. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency recently approved an agreement with Bowman Consulting Group to conduct an air rights study on the mall. The cost is $100,000. The Cleveland…
Dunedin’s proposed downtown parking garage cleared a major hurdle April 21 when Pinellas County commissioners unanimously agreed to amend an agreement with the city governing the use of Community Redevelopment Agency tax increment financing funds. The amendment raises the authorized indebtedness cap from $6.594 million to $7.35 million, enabling the city to take on additional…
The city of Lakeland prides itself on showcasing art throughout the city. Now, city officials are hoping to use art to draw even more people to local businesses. They’ve launched a “Mural Passport” that highlights both art and businesses. Bob Fisher owns Southside Dry Cleaners in Lakeland, a family business established in 1954. He took…
With major public and private investments underway, officials are working to turn Manatee County’s oldest city into a destination of its own, one that balances growth, tourism, and redevelopment with the charm of its historic roots. The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is leading several projects designed to improve the downtown area and waterfront while…
Over the past two years, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency has purchased roughly half a dozen properties across the city — the majority in the Midtown area. What exactly is the CRA doing with these properties? Valerie Vaught, the CRA manager, said that is the question constantly asked by the public and elected officials. Vaught…
Building Official – City of Bradenton Beach 📍 Location: Bradenton Beach, FL 💼 Position Type: Full-Time 💰 Starting Salary: $120,000+ DOQ 📅 Application Deadline: Open Until Filled The City of Bradenton Beach is seeking an experienced Building Official to lead the City’s Building Department and oversee permitting, inspections, code enforcement, and floodplain compliance activities. This…
4/30/26 FRA Newsletter Highlights: 🏆 FRA Awards Program – Now Open Submit your projects for the Roy F. Kenzie Awards across 9 categories, recognizing innovation and impact in redevelopment 📚 CRA Board Training (2 Sessions) June 11 | Winter Haven June 12 | Panama City Training for elected officials, board members, and volunteers on CRA…