A five-year oyster restoration project in Palmetto is working to rebuild oyster habitat and improve water quality in the Manatee River using artificial reef structures placed along the riverbed. In February 2024, the city installed 380 dome-shaped “reef balls” arranged in 76 clusters along the north side of the river between the U.S. 41 Green…
Pensacola leaders are continuing discussions about a major redevelopment of the Pensacola Bay Center and the surrounding area, with the project potentially costing hundreds of millions of dollars. A study commissioned by the City of Pensacola and funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is helping guide those discussions. The CRA paid for a study…
The Orlando City Council approved the Unlocked Open-Door Program, a housing initiative designed to increase homeownership and new construction in District 5’s Parramore and downtown neighborhoods by turning more than 300 vacant lots into single-family homes. A key component of the program is funding from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The city has allocated $750,000…
The Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency is offering grants of up to $5,000 to help businesses install new signage or replace outdated signs. The $5,000 grant is per property and can help cover costs for businesses looking to boost visibility, modernize storefronts, and strengthen their brand presence. Through its Commercial Sign Reimbursable Grant Program, the FPRA…
A recent project by the City of Fort Walton Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency is lighting up the city’s downtown…literally In 2025, the City of Fort Walton Beach leased a small triangle of vacant land that was located in a high-visibility area along U.S. Highway 98 in the downtown district. The dilapidated property consisted of an…
Pinellas Park’s Community Redevelopment Area has played a key role in the transformation of a long-underutilized property into the new Sprowls Horizon Sports Park, a $26.5 million, 40-acre youth sports complex designed to drive economic activity and community revitalization. Located within the redevelopment area, the project replaces an aging, piecemealed facility with a cohesive, master-planned…
From utility boxes to museum galleries, Cape Coral’s art scene is increasingly visible in everyday places. Public art is turning ordinary corners into landmarks that residents recognize and love. Along SE 47th Terrace in South Cape, even the utility boxes have become canvases. Through the South Cape Utility Box Beautification project, 15 boxes are wrapped…
In the making since 2023, legislation is now pressing in the Florida Legislature that will lay the foundation for the new Florida Museum of Black History to be built in St. Augustine. Greg White with the Community Redevelopment Agency once rode a bus to Tallahassee that memorably caught fire on I-10 as supporters were on…
Boca Raton city council members, in their role as the city’s community redevelopment agency board, gave their first stamp of approval to a major redesign of the Royal Palm Place Hotel project, trading a previously approved “parking plaza” for a seven-story garage to offset soaring construction costs. The decision on Monday marks a significant departure…
Ride DTO reached its 50,000th ride during one of downtown Orlando’s most energetic weekends, as IMMERSE 2026 and a full lineup of concerts, sporting events, and community gatherings brought thousands to the urban core. This milestone underscores the growing popularity of the $1 on-demand service and its role in providing affordable, convenient mobility options that…
Redevelopment of the landmark Walesbilt Hotel is officially taking a step forward as work is scheduled to begin on the removal of large amounts of debris which is stacked on the floors in the ten-story tower. The Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency has approved a contract with Bartow-based SEMCO Construction for the work, which estimates…
Theatre Park officially opened Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the City of Alachua and the Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), marking the completion of the park’s long-awaited downtown reconstruction. City commissioners, CRA representatives, and community partners gathered at 9 a.m. at the park site, located at 14900 Main…
“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Antranette Forbes – City of Apopka, Economic Development Director FRA Board of Directors Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Antranette: Get invested early and often. The Florida Redevelopment Association isn’t just a membership—it’s a network, a brain trust, and occasionally a…
The Orlando City Council on Monday will consider a $3.9 million pre-construction agreement with Turner Construction Company to design the Lake Eola Gateway Entrance and a new pocket park at 30 S. Orange Ave., a combined project estimated at $18 million that represents the first visible step in a sweeping downtown transformation funded by bonds…
The Century Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) now has $191,151.89 in the bank and will soon begin to consider how potential projects can improve blighted areas of the town. The five members of the Century Town Council and one citizen currently sit as the CRA board, which is expected to meet quarterly. However, a meeting this…