Good News From Florida’s CRAs

Haines City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Manager/Consultant Alex Abraham has a doctorate in biomedical engineering. But these days, he’s focused on restoring the health of his city, rejuvenating the properties within his community. The son of entrepreneurs, Abraham also does commercial development, property management and migrant labor transportation. But it’s his role as a corporate…

Between two grants and matching funds, the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency is looking to have more than $1.8 million for the construction of a motorsports museum in downtown Sebring. CRA staff is working to submit a grant application for Florida’s Cultural Division of Arts and Culture Cultural Facilities Grant Program requesting $500,000 for the construction…

Developers are moving ahead with plans for 175 workforce apartments and a community center after they won a nearly $3 million concession last week from Riviera Beach. The city’s Housing Authority is developing the $75 million Marina Annex Apartments with private partners three blocks west of Riviera Beach’s Marina Village, an area that is attracting…

According to FWB officials, the west side of the park, including the boat launch, is expected to be closed starting Monday, August 3, for construction. The work will include a new 832-square-foot restroom building, new parking for vehicles and boat trailers, a redesigned boat launch area, new sidewalks, and stormwater improvements. The $3.1 million project…

Mobile vendors could soon sell their wares along the 400 and 500 blocks of Cleveland Street under a proposed exception to the city’s vending rules, part of a broader effort to bring new life to the downtown corridor. The change is tied to the Cleveland Street Activation Initiative, a $500,000 program led by the Downtown…

As work on the West Riverwalk extension continues to ramp up, city of Tampa officials are giving a closer look into the complex nature of the construction. During a news conference taking place Tuesday, engineers discussed how crews are building the support structures for the project’s overwater sections. According to city officials, new pedestrian bridges are a…

The Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) put a spotlight Wednesday on its oyster restoration project along the Manatee River, a multi-month effort researchers say is already helping scientists measure how habitat work can improve water quality. Out on the water, investigators described the site as a real-life “living laboratory,” where they’re not only placing restoration…

A City of Orlando program established in August 2025 has been helping homeless people find permanent housing — not through traditional brick-and-mortar shelters, but through buses. The program, called 407 Connect, is a partnership project involving the city, the Community Redevelopment Agency and the Christian Service Center for the Homeless. The aim of 407 Connect…

Cape Coral’s Community Redevelopment Agency increased its total net position, a measure of assets minus liabilities, by 19% during fiscal year 2025, ending the year with $19.5 million, according to audited financial statements released by the city. The agency reported a $3.1 million increase driven by continued growth in property tax revenue within the redevelopment district, scheduled…

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is asking the community a deceptively simple question: What makes Fort Myers innovative? Through a new online survey at TheInnovationWalk.com/Ideas, anyone with a connection to the city can name the people, places, ideas, and objects that capture its spirit of innovation. Every submission becomes part of a public gallery…

The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has released the Midtown draft plan, rounding out the initial updates for each of its redevelopment areas. The Midtown plan was created in 2001, and a gap analysis showed that ~85% of its original goals have been completed. Now, the CRA has four new ones for its largest district:…

The value of all property within the Lake Wales city limits surged past the billion-and-a-half dollar mark at a rate topping other area cities in the past year, according to figures released by the Polk County Property Appraiser’s office. Annexations, new apartments, restaurants, and scores of new homes added $187,209,619 property valuations for the City…

Riviera Beach has won its first All-America City award for its focus on young people and strong neighborhoods. The city is one of 10 selected Sunday by the National Civic League based on progress in bringing people together to build lasting change. An overjoyed Riviera Beach delegation took the stage at the 77th annual award…

While Port Richey’s CRA isn’t set to dissolve until 2032, city leaders are looking for ways to spur major investment before the district’s remaining years run out. At a Community Redevelopment Agency meeting in June, board members approved a revision to the redevelopment incentive policy to include catalytic projects, which are real estate or infrastructure…

After months of research and public feedback, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) released a draft of the updated Dixieland district plan — its first update since 2001. Here’s what the draft plan recommends to keep up with Dixieland’s evolution: District definition — Brand the district with a nod to its historic character, add signage throughout the…

McCollum Hall is a two-story building on the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Cranford Avenue on the eastern side of downtown Fort Myers, just past the railroad tracks on the western edge of the Dunbar Community. Built in 1938, McCollum Hall was a crown jewel for commerce and entertainment and served…

Construction crews are moving in to completely demolish and replace the historic Rey Park Center in West Tampa, launching a nearly $4 million modernization project funded by the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The original facility was built back in 1955 as the centerpiece of a 1.35-acre park. Rather than patching up the aging…

The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) joined community leaders, project partners, and residents in celebrating the grand opening of The Spruce, a transformative mixed-use development in Northwood Village. The ribbon-cutting marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to expand workforce housing opportunities and support thoughtful redevelopment throughout the city. Developed through a…