NEW SMYRNA BEACH — The Outback Steakhouse in New Smyrna Beach closed last week and its parent company also announced plans to shutter 14 of the more than 200 Bonefish Grill restaurants it operates nationally. Tampa-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc., which owns both chains, intends to keep its other two Outbacks in Volusia County and has not…
DetailsST. PETERSBURG — The city sounded the call Tuesday for urban planners: Deliver a vision of how to transform 85 acres of parking lots and an aging domed stadium into a powerful economic engine for the city. And do it fast. The city issued a request for qualifications that has a quick turnaround. Bids for the project…
DetailsPerceived lack of parking in the downtown business district, especially during season, is a perennial issue for city officials and business owners. But an unofficial audit of public parking by council member Bob Daniels suggests that the real problem may be lack of awareness of available spots rather than a shortage. Daniels said that in…
DetailsLeon County Administrator Vince Long and Tallahassee City Manager Rick Fernandez have created a plan to make the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency the area’s designated economic development organization, replacing the now-dissolved Economic Development Council of Tallahassee/Leon County. Under the plan, the IA — which is made up of the city and county commissions — would be…
DetailsDELAND — A downtown DeLand street that is already a nightlife destination is set to add new options for those looking to sip coffee or grab a bite to eat. Three spots are expected to open along Georgia Avenue in the coming months. The owners of Georgia Avenue bars Cafe DaVinci and Persimmon Hollow Brewing Company…
DetailsA new, $1.7 million North Beach Pavilion is officially in the works – the final city project to improve the beach area. The new pavilion, scheduled for completion in 2018, features second-floor views, air-conditioned rooms and about twice the space of the current pavilion, which is not much more than a picnic shelter. The city…
DetailsA watershed moment for Sarasota’s bayfront and our region’s cultural icons could occur Monday. Leaders of Bayfront 20:20, a local movement that has steadily gained community support, will brief the City Commission on its initiative’s status — and seek tentative support for additional steps aimed at proposing a plan for preserving open space on Sarasota Bay…
DetailsPALMETTO – A crumbling seawall turned out to be the catalyst for a project that will significantly alter the appearance and boost the popularity of Palmetto’s riverfront. As early as next month, pedestrians viewing the Manatee River from the rebuilt seawall flanking the Green Bridge will able to step onto artificial reefs and peer below at…
DetailsI would like to challenge the purposes of the Community Redevelopment Agency. It appears the agency is straying from the original purposes of redevelopment. It is providing taxpayer dollars to businesses and entities in direct competition with existing local businesses. Now for some history about redevelopment. Back in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, the…
DetailsTwo new hotels are set to join the redesigned Design District in Miami, a report says. Hilton Worldwide announced Friday it’s bringing its Triptych Miami Design District, a new luxury hotel with Hilton’s Curio brand, to the area. The 20-story, 296-room hotel is set to open during early December 2017. Dacra Development is scheduled to…
DetailsSANTA CRUZ >> Until it is officially unveiled on Thursday, we won’t know exactly the dimensions of the sculpture of Ceil Cirillo to be dedicated at theTannery Arts Center. But if it were as big as the River Street sign, it still wouldn’t approximate the size of her influence in getting the Tannery built. Without…
DetailsColumbus, OH — The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) is pleased to announce the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) as an official endorser of the CDFA Florida Financing Roundtable. FRA joins CDFA’s partner, the Florida Development Finance Corporation (FDFC), as a supporter of development finance education throughout the state. The CDFA Florida Financing Roundtable, in…
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