Good News From Florida’s CRAs

Work is now underway on multiple segments of the West River BUILD Project — also known as the West Riverwalk — bringing to life one of the most transformative projects in the City of Tampa in decades. The project will add nearly two miles of new scenic riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough…

Hillsborough County on Tuesday outlined how a “public contribution” for a Rays ballpark could be structured, according to Villamil and Moske of the Tampa Bay Times. A presentation for Thursday’s county workshop breaks down how previously identified funding sources could support the deal. The Rays have requested $750 million from Hillsborough, but the presentation shows…

Riviera Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency has approved plans by Related Urban for a large mixed-use development project called The Gallery at Marina Village. The proposed 418-unit project would be located along the Broadway corridor and aims to help address the city’s workforce housing crisis impacting ‘missing-middle’ families. As one of the fastest-growing cities in Palm…

Construction has begun on a multi-story student housing complex on West Gaines Street that features 804 beds and a plethora of amenities, according to a press release. Hoar Construction, the general contractor on the $100 million project with Park 7 Group as the developer, said construction is expected to be completed in the fall of…

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Wednesday approved the purchase of a vacant downtown parcel while also updating business assistance programs and discussing new incentives aimed at encouraging redevelopment within the district. The board unanimously approved a motion to pursue acquisition of property at 205 E. Eighth St. for up to $156,000, with several members raising questions about…

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) annual report shows continued investment in infrastructure and neighborhood improvements in 2025, while some vacant storefronts and limited participation in business assistance programs remain in parts of the district. According to the report, which is now available on the city’s website, the agency spent more than $1.7 million during the reporting period on projects including the Downtown Apopka Trail, park improvements and…

Hope Partnership celebrated the opening of Thrive Studios, transforming a former motel on West Vine Street into supportive, permanent housing for residents experiencing homelessness. The development pairs affordable studio apartments with services like case management, job support, and financial education to help residents achieve long-term stability. The project arrives as housing costs continue to strain…

The Tampa Bay Rays unveiled the draft framework for their plan to build a new stadium in Tampa. The project, according to the “Memorandum of Understanding Overview,” would include the Rays, Hillsborough County, the city of Tampa, Tampa Sports Authority, the Community Redevelopment Agency board, and Hillsborough College. The new owners of the team want…

Lake Wales is one step away from launching its new Arts, Culture and Entertainment District, with final approval now awaiting the governor’s signature. The designation would allow visitors to enjoy beverages while walking through downtown, adding a new draw to the city’s historic core and building on popular events already happening in the area. The…

A new boutique fitness studio is set to bring a fresh workout experience to downtown Coral Springs, adding to the growing energy of the area’s emerging downtown core. Tremble, a Miami-based concept that blends strength training, cardio, and Pilates-style movement, will open later this year at the Cornerstone development. Known for its fast-paced, instructor-led classes…

A new mixed-use development near Mizner Park is set to bring a 12-story hotel, retail, and dining space to downtown Boca Raton, replacing an aging shopping plaza on the site. The project will include 219 hotel rooms, a parking structure, and more than 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, adding new activity and…

Clearwater Gardens is now open, bringing 81 new affordable housing units to downtown Clearwater for residents earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Built on a formerly underused site, the development is already nearly fully occupied and offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, along with amenities like a fitness center,…

New dog parks at the Tampa Riverwalk offer new space for community connection! Two new dog parks at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park are adding even more energy to Tampa’s Riverwalk, giving residents and their pets new spaces to gather and enjoy the waterfront. Designed for both small and large breeds, the parks are thoughtfully integrated…