Good News From Florida’s CRAs

Jul312019

Over $1 Billion in Impact Reported by Manufacturers Working with the FloridaMakes Network

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

The FloridaMakes Board of Directors announced today that Florida manufacturers who received services through the state-wide FloridaMakes network have reported a combined total of over one billion dollars in measurable economic impacts and created or retained 6,953 manufacturing jobs since the program started delivering services in 2016. The FloridaMakes network is an industry-led initiative operated…

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Jul312019

CityGrader expands throughout all of Florida

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

CityGrader, the social platform that encourages constituents to become civically engaged with their local government, expands to all Florida cities. Just one year ago, you’d have to be in South Florida to benefit from the network, but now it is “available in all Florida cities and counties including the Tampa Bay, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee…

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Jul312019

As flood risk rises in St. Petersburg, city weighs whether to allow increased development in flood zones

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

ST. PETERSBURG — The risk of flood damage is on the rise in the city. So is the number of new construction projects, including in flood zones. Soon, the city will be forced to decide how to balance the two. In the coming months, the City Council will grapple with an existential question facing the…

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Jul312019

Lake Parker path to highlight Lakeland’s history

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

LAKELAND — The city is paving a path through Lakeland’s history as depicted through the eyes of student artists. Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency is working in partnership with the Polk County School Board to construct a multi-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians along West Lake Parker Drive that will provide a visual history lesson to the…

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Jul312019

Hurricane projects prioritize resiliency, not just recovery

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

It’s been almost three years since Hurricane Matthew brought the city of St. Augustine’s storm resiliency to the forefront of discussion. Hurricane Irma in 2017 didn’t help. But out of both disasters came a much-needed federal boost to the city’s budget to fix flooding problems, repair storm damage and give the Ancient City a fighting…

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Jul312019

Jupiter’s veterans memorial will feature 5 monoliths illumitated by LED lights

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

JUPITER — Ask Noah Narut if there’s an appetite in Jupiter for a memorial to honor U.S. military veterans and you’ll get a matter-of-fact answer: “Absolutely.” The 45-year-old Marine Corps veteran said he sees proof each Memorial Day he spends at the South Florida National Cemetery in suburban Lake Worth Beach. Narut suspects many visitors honoring…

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Jul312019

Leesburg partnership wins state award

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 31, 2019

LEESBURG — The Leesburg Partnership won a state award this week. The Main Street program on Thursday won a fundraising development effort honor award for its annual Mardi Gras fundraiser. The partnership won one of 26 state awards at the Florida Main Street Annual Conference. Read the full story 

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Jul292019

Winners Announced For The Secretary Of State’s 2019 Florida Main Street Awards

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 29, 2019

Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced today the winners of the 2019 Florida Main Street Awards. The annual awards program showcases the innovative practices and projects that contribute to the success of local Main Street programs. Two award categories were presented including the Honor Awards, which highlight the very ‘best of the best’ Main…

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Jul262019

Florida growth to top 300,000 people a year

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 26, 2019

Florida will continue growing by more than 300,000 people a year and will top 22 million residents in 2022, according to a report posted online this week by state economists. The Demographic Estimating Conference updated population forecasts through April 1, 2024 and showed steady growth during the multi-year period. Read the full story

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Jul262019

Lynn Haven approves taxable bond resolution and sets millage rate

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 26, 2019

Lynn Haven City Commissioners held their second monthly meeting Tuesday. The board discussed recovery efforts and plans for the rebuilding of Lynn Haven. The board approved a Taxable Bond Resolution designed to aid in Hurricane Michael recovery efforts. The bond length is 15 years and it will allocate $32,000,000 to Lynn Haven. They say the…

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Jul252019

Bonita Springs might buy homes in neighborhoods flooded by Hurricane Irma

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 25, 2019

Homeowners in flood-prone neighborhoods in Bonita Springs might be able to sell their properties through a voluntary buyout program run by the city. The state has set aside $75 million to buy property impacted by Hurricane Irma in an effort to reduce flood risk, according to a city news release.The block grant is competitive —…

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Jul252019

In an era of noise, Coral Gables’ ‘Silence Project’ showcases civility and diversity

Redevelopment NewsBy FRAstaffJuly 25, 2019

If you have visited Coral Gables recently, you may have seen the large black-and-white photographs displayed in empty storefronts. All of the subjects, from postal workers to politicians and chefs to booksellers, are exhibiting the universal gesture for quiet. The 75 people in the photos represent the diverse community of Coral Gables and their portraits…

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