Good News From Florida’s CRAs

To help the group tasked with facilitating an updated Sarasota downtown master plan to determine where it is going, it must first learn where it has been. During its May 28 meeting, the city’s 13-member Downtown Master Plan 2020 Update Committee heard from five witnesses who were here when the adoption of current plan came…

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency approved several Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grants for downtown and Cleveland Avenue redevelopment areas. Grants include $22,095 for Sunshine State Law at 2058 Cottage St. for exterior repairs and upgrades; $22,335 for Fountain of Grace International Corp. at 1702/1704 Fowler St. for stucco replacement; and $3,075 for 7091 Pinnacle…

Fort Myers city leaders have voted to work with the Community Redevelopment Agency to restore McCollum Hall to a usable space, marking a pivotal moment for community advocates. The city council did not approve giving $4.2 million to the current developer of the historic property. The money has been handed to the C.R.A., but can…

The City of Fort Walton Beach congratulates Christina Donahoe of Christina Custom Art on her winning design for a new downtown Fort Walton Beach entrance sign. For her design efforts, Donahoe was presented with a check for $5,000 during a Fort Walton Beach City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 20. The entrance sign will be…

The ongoing revitalization of downtown Lake Wales took a major step forward Tuesday with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting that opened a fully-restored building at 244 East Park Avenue. The structure now features two finished retail spaces on the ground floor and four apartments on the second level. The historic building was constructed in 1916 by Lake…

The city of Fort Walton Beach has selected local artist Christina Donahoe as the winner of its downtown entrance sign design competition, as announced during the city council meeting on May 20. The city awarded her a $5,000 prize. Donahoe’s winning design will be used for a new entrance sign at U.S. Highway 98 and…

Downtown Clearwater is about to get a bold, creative makeover. On Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Clearwater Arts Alliance invites the community to experience the official unveiling of the Celebrate Sculpture Series, a transformative initiative turning the Cleveland Street Corridor into a walkable public art gallery. The centerpiece of…

The city of Cape Coral Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) announced the new public parking lots in a release on Wednesday. With more parking being added, accessing restaurants, shops and entertainment in the area could become easier. It’s anticipated that in the summer, The Cove at 47th Parking Garage will add 125 new parking spaces. Then…

The historic Sunset Lounge in West Palm Beach, a veritable beacon of African American music and culture, is inching towards completion with the final phase of its extensive renovation now underway, as reported by the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The lounge, notorious for hosting jazz greats such as Count Basie and Ella…

A Miami-based developer recently completed a $37.4 million affordable housing project for seniors in Bradenton and is now accepting applications from potential tenants. Astoria on 9th was developed by Housing Trust Group in partnership with AM Affordable Housing, a nonprofit founded by NBA Hall of Famer and Miami Heat legend Alonzo Mourning. Astoria on 9th…

After four months of renovations, Aline McWhite Park’s grand reopening was 10 a.m. Thursday, May 22. The park is at 240 E. Hal McRae Blvd. in Avon Park. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) allocated $50,000 toward the park’s renovations that include a resurfaced basketball court, new basketball poles, backboards and rims. “I am excited this…

The city of Ormond Beach will be replacing missing, damaged or sick trees in its medians, and adding native plants. The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved a $221,000 work authorization to A.M. Weigel Construction, Inc., at its meeting on Tuesday, May 20. According to a city staff report, the city will be replacing back…

Give the city of Boynton Beach credit. It finally has moved a critical downtown development project that had been stalled for almost eight years a big step closer to becoming reality. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency approved a plan to bring in a new developer to finish the Town Square Project, a development that will give the…

In a pivotal City Commission meeting on May 22, 2025, the Palatka City Council made significant strides in financial transparency and community engagement. The highlight of the evening was the acceptance of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) audit, which received a clean opinion with no findings, marking a notable improvement from previous years. Finance Director…

During moments of confusion, competing priorities, and spirited public feedback, the Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board approved several amendments to its 2025 budget at its May 21st meeting. The changes, prompted by House Bill 991, reallocated funding to new and existing projects within the CRA district, though not without debate over how well the…

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting held on May 22, 2025, in Dunedin, Florida, focused on key budget amendments and project updates. The meeting commenced with a call for citizen input, but no attendees chose to speak on non-agenda items. The primary agenda item was the approval of CRA Resolution 25-01, which involves a budget…

An autonomous vehicle shuttle service is coming soon to ferry people in and around Mizner Park in Boca Raton. That’s just the beginning. Plans call for the shuttle service to move people to and from the Sanborn Square area and then eventually south to Royal Palm Place. But first, the pilot test will be done…

One of Tampa’s most iconic landmarks is getting a major upgrade. Tampa Union Station, the city’s historic rail hub located at 601 N. Nebraska Avenue, is undergoing a $4 million renovation aimed at restoring its charm and creating new spaces for the community. Funded by the Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the project will include…

Planning is gradually moving forward for the Margate City Center. During the May 14 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, executive director Cale Curtis told the board that city leaders and Brookfield Properties are assembling a team of professionals to create the project. The goal is to have a preliminary plan by the end of June. Margate leaders…

After a long but successful legal battle over the title to the historic Walesbilt Hotel, the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency is wasting no time moving to begin their efforts to see the building redeveloped. The CRA has approved the hiring of the engineering firm of Kimley-Horn to conduct an evaluation of the hotel that will include a structural property…

For the ninth consecutive year, World Changers is joining forces with the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to create positive change in neighborhoods that need it. Watch the video here