FORT MYERS, Fla. (November 5, 2021) — The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) recently approved an amount not to exceed $20,000 for the SWFL Enterprise Center (SWFEC) Incubation Program. The funds will be used to engage Dr. Peter Oscody of PreneurDomain to develop an incubation program for the SWFEC. The SWFEC currently runs various trainings for…
The Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) has published the 2021 edition of the Local Government Financial Information Handbook. This report is produced annually by EDR to serve as a reference for many of the revenue sources available to local governments. It contains items useful for local government budgeting purposes, including descriptions of…
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) announces a Revolving Housing Loan Program available in the Cleveland Avenue and Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment areas. The fund is to be used exclusively for the purpose of supporting developers seeking to construct housing targeting individuals that make 100 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) or…
Nearly half of that cash will go to projects helping to clean up the Indian River Lagoon. Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) are sending $114 million to help fund wastewater treatment efforts and improve water quality across the state. The grants come courtesy of the Wastewater Grant Program, which was created as…
The City of Winter Garden just launched a “Living Local” campaign to encourage local participation and support of one’s hometown. The campaign includes events and initiatives to urge community involvement and patronage of local, small businesses. The campaign will run fall 2021-spring 2022. The “Living Local” campaign immediately follows the previous yearlong “Love Local” campaign…
In the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in 2018, the Old Bank Clock that once hung at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Beach Drive, and later at Harrison and Seventh, was badly damaged. It had been the icon of the downtown business district since 1926, when it was installed on the First National Bank building…
A collection of murals across indoor and outdoor spaces in Ocala have slowly changed the landscape of the city’s public art scene. Multiple city officials, including City Manager Sandra Wilson, have consistently praised the efforts of local cultural arts organizations, artists, businesses, and city staff to beautify Ocala’s public spaces. To that end, no space…
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2021) – The Lee County Black History Society has officially kicked off a capital campaign to raise $22 million for a Black Culture Center at Clemente Park in Dunbar. As part of the City of Fort Myers’ comprehensive plan for Clemente Park, residents have expressed their desire for the…
The Florida League of Cities announced a change of command Wednesday, including a newly elected president and two officers. Lakeland Commissioner Phillip Walker will serve as the League’s president. Walker, a former police officer, was first elected to the Lakeland City Commission in 2010. Among other affiliations, he is an immediate past president of the Florida Black…
The City of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (HCRA) wants to help local businesses and entrepreneurs grow their dreams and find their perfect match at the Small Business Matchmaker on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 10am until 5pm at the Phichol Williams Community Center, 951 SW 4th Street, Homestead, FL. Attendees will learn about grant opportunities,…
Florida Community Loan Fund has received an award of $35 million in New Markets Tax Credit allocation from the U.S. Treasury Community Development Financial Institution Fund. FCLF – Florida-based and Florida-focused – will devote 100% of this award to the underserved state of Florida. This year’s NMTC award will allow FCLF to continue building on its track…
TAMPA, Fla. — The city of Tampa has gone the extra mile with an innovative way to encourage driveres to slow down at several intersections — ground murals. Some colorful examples include the Pride mural, paintings on Franklin and Twiggs Streets, the Black Lives Matter mural and decorated curb extensions on Ashley Drive. Husband and…
St. Augustine’s City Manager John Regan and Vice Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline have been recognized for their efforts to maintain local control on a variety of issues. The Florida League of Cities recognized both officials with a 2021 Home Rule Hero Award for their work during the 2021 Legislative Session, according to a city news release. “Sikes-Kline and Regan worked tirelessly…
PERRY, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and Enterprise Florida Inc. (EFI) have awarded several grants totaling more than $30 million to improve infrastructure, community redevelopment and job creation in small and rural Florida communities. $29 million was awarded through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant…
Fresh off of fireworks and still full of hamburgers and hot dogs, the DeLand City Commission and the Downtown DeLand Community Redevelopment Agency will discuss improving city streets, parks and fields — not housing developments — at meetings Tuesday, July 6. First, the Downtown DeLand CRA will meet to discuss a number of topics, including…
Downtown Winter Garden’s newest building, Plant Street Exchange, is nearly complete and its first occupant, Apricot Lane Boutique, has opened. More retail shops and restaurants, as well as an adjacent City park, will open this summer. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Tanja Gerhartz June 25, 2021 407-947-1720 tgerhartz@cwgdn.com First Shop Opens in New Downtown Plant Street…
The Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (HCRA) First Time Homebuyer Program is now open. Eligible first-time buyers can receive down payment and/or closing cost assistance of up to $10,000 and current residents of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) may receive up to $15,000. “We’re hoping residents will take advantage of this program to help achieve the…
The Riviera Beach Community Redevelopment Agency continues to make the waterfront more accessible to all who live, work and play in the city. The agency will be introducing new MobiChair and MobiMats at the Marina Village on Saturday. The MobiMats, leading from the sidewalk to the beach, will allow those who have mobility challenges to…
Paint the Town, Clearwater’s arts ongoing art project, has entered a new realm of urban arts enjoyment. The city of Clearwater’s Community Redevelopment Agency has joined forces with the University of South Florida’s Access 3D Lab to bring a new dimension to art spaces using advanced 3D digital technologies to bring murals and their stories to life…
Haines City’s CRA invites affiliates and partner agencies to join in a virtual session with renowned Joe Minicozzi, AICP, of Urban3. Mr. Minicozzi’s lecture will discuss community redevelopment and economic growth – “he will challenge your perception of market forces and how they affect the built environment.” Scheduled for June 1, 2021, from 12:00 noon…
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. — In celebration of National Preservation Month, the City is sponsoring a Historic Preservation Photo Contest. The contest is open to all levels of photographers. The top five winners will receive a $100 prize. The best photos will be displayed at an upcoming City-hosted exhibit. To submit photos and view sample list…