Crestview, in Okaloosa County, has a revitalized historic district monitored by the Community Redevelopment Association to ensure it retains its small-town charm and vibrancy. The historic town received its name because it sits on a peak that overlooks the Yellow and Shoal Rivers. It was once called the “icebox” of Florida because it boasts the…
The 2023 Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) Awards witnessed a remarkable moment of recognition as Ronni Wood, a seasoned and dedicated professional in the field of downtown redevelopment, was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The accolade was presented during the 2023 FRA Annual Conference and Awards Reception, where the outstanding contributions of community organizations,…
What a way to kick off Immerse Global Summit (IGS) 2023! This year is more significant than ever thanks to deep event partnerships, which boost IGS 2023 by showcasing local innovative technology talents from Orlando, Florida, while also bringing together some of the best international minds and companies in the AR/VR/MR space. For 2023, IGS…
For Renee Jadusingh, executive director of the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the “community” part of her title is always at the top of her mind. “For our staff, I try to instill in them that you are the CRA; you have to go out knowing you are our face, our voice, our presence.…
The City of Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) on Sept. 25 approved their Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget of $509,500, with 92 percent of that funding for projects within the CRA District. Newberry Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee said that revenues increased by $160,000 to $480,840, with $80,000 coming from the City…
Commissioner Marleine Bastien will host a press conference to discuss a resolution sponsored by the Commissioner providing an amendment to the original Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Miami-Dade County, the City of North Miami, and the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA). The new agreement removes a $1 million dollar cap and provides the NMCRA with…
The city’s recent unveiling of new street banners represents only a glimpse of what citizens will see coming to Naples Design District. “Later on this month, the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) will consider a design proposal to design the Design Walk, the pilot Design Walk, which is meant to be an example in the public…
Boca Raton has ambitious plans for a new downtown government complex—perhaps with private money. City council members authorized $300,000 for a consultant that will offer recommendations about the area that includes City Hall, the police station, the tennis center, and other city-owned property on or near Northeast Second Avenue just north of Palmetto Park Road.…
The City of Riviera Beach announced a new enhancement, beautification, and safety initiative between its police department and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The CRA District is the target area, which encompasses the Broadway Corridor, Marina Village, Singer Island, Ocean Mall area, and portions of Riviera Beach Heights. The project is named the “Clean and Safe…
During the September 28, 2023 Board meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) of the City of Bradenton, The CRA voted unanimously to enter into a public-private-partnership with Freebeeproviding free micro-mobility-on-demand service. Three vehicles will provide point-to-point service within the Downtown, Tamiami Trail, and Central redevelopment areas. Bradenton CRA residents and business customers may begin…
The city of New Port Richey bought the Harry Schwettman Education Center from the Pasco County School Board in September but has not decided what to do with the property. At its Sept. 5 meeting, the city council, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency, heard from CRA Executive Director Debbie L. Manns. She told the…
A series of vacant storefronts in Downtown Homestead will soon be transformed into an entertainment and dining destination thanks to the revitalization efforts of the Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The CRA recently purchased multiple retail storefronts on Krome Avenue north of Second Street in Downtown Homestead in the hope of attracting partners with significant…
Two development companies asked for $22.4 million in increment tax rebates from the City of Fort Myers, in exchange for building new housing and commercial projects. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) commissioners had lots of questions, but granted the rebates, to be paid over a period of time. First Alessio Development wanted $11.4…
The Florida Department of Transportation has awarded a $700,000 grant to the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) to permit the TECO Line Streetcar to remain fare-free for an additional year. The streetcar has routinely logged ridership records since FDOT awarded HART a $2.7 million Innovation Grant in 2018, enabling the streetcar to be fare-free and increase frequency and…
The multi-million-dollar reconstruction of Park Avenue is proceeding close to schedule, as evidenced by the hard-working crews who have been seen laying the thousands of bricks that will eventually form the surface of the new street and parking spaces. The new high-quality clay-brick pavers were selected as the most durable and traditional surface for the…
Jessica Newman Wauchula Community Redevelopment Agency Director Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Jessica: My best piece of advice is to have patience with perseverance. Redevelopment can take time. There will be setbacks and unexpected obstacles; however, your work will make a lasting change and will be…
Clarence Woods CRA Manager, CRA – City of Fort Lauderdale Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Clarence: Be collaborative and develop relationships with members in your area of business as well as those across different areas and disciplines. Sometimes relationship capital is just as important as financial…
The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) met on Aug. 24 to address an update of the CRA’s Façade Grant Program and consider hiring a lobbying group to work with the City. City Manager Ashley Stathatos discussed the new application for the Façade Grant program and requested an increase in the amount of matching grant…
McDowell Housing Partners (MHP) has completed construction of Ekos Magnolia Oaks, a 110-unit affordable housing community including 1 Bedroom/1 Bath – 30 Units; 2 Bedroom/2Bath – 65 units; 3 Bedroom/2 Bath – 15 Units, catering to families in Tallahassee, FL. Apartments are reserved for families earning at or below 33%-60% of the area median income…
Walking across the heavily traveled Collins Street in downtown will soon get a little easier. At its last meeting, the Community Redevelopment Agency adopted a resolution approving a budget adjustment to appropriate $30,000 for pedestrian crossing improvements at Collins Street and J Arden Mays Boulevard. The crosswalk will feature pedestrian buttons and a solar-powered flashing…
The city has committed $25 million to the arts complex, which Thursday secured an extension to meet its contract requirements. Less than three weeks before a deadline, the Straz Center has secured a two-month extension to fulfill its contractual requirements with the city for its multimillion-dollar expansion. Tampa’s downtown Community Redevelopment Area committed $25 million…