Good News From Florida’s CRAs

The Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, in partnership with the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department, will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 23, for the recently completed Amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park. The event is scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m. The communitywide celebration will feature the Veterans Memorial Center Color Guard and…

Orlando leaders are working to help first responders live in the communities they serve, launching a new housing effort in Parramore through the Community Redevelopment Agency. The city plans to sell eight newly built homes with down payment assistance, including an extra $10,000 for first responders. Officials say the goal is to strengthen connections between…

Three redevelopment projects are heading to the Coral Springs Community Redevelopment Agency board as part of an effort to upgrade key downtown properties along Sample Road and University Drive. The CRA will consider up to $277,505.50 in Commercial Property Enhancement Grants for three projects: A $100,000 request from Alex Lee to renovate a 1978 strip…

The City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) advances into the third phase of its affordable housing initiative, with the release of three new homes in Parramore to further expand access to quality, affordable housing. Designed to increase homeownership opportunities and provide more residential options within the neighborhood, the homes will officially go on sale…

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…