City Completes First Home Renovation Through New CRA Assistance Program

The City of Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has completed its first home renovation project under the Residential Renovation Assistance Program, marking a major milestone in the city’s neighborhood revitalization efforts. The $24,073 project focused on replacing the home’s roof and windows—improvements that boost safety, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. Launched on October 1, 2025,…

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Study: City has $235M Opportunity Gap

A presentation of a retail recruitment strategy given at Wednesday’s Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board meeting pinpointed a $235 million opportunity gap in the city’s trade area. Garet Smitherman, portfolio director for Retail Strategies LLC, gave data on demographics, retail gaps, and peer analysis, identifying the need for more grocery stores and full-service restaurants. The city hired Retail Strategies LLC for $40,000 to provide retail recruitment services…

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New Fort Myers Housing Prioritizes Displaced People From Southward Village

The keys are ready for people to move into their new homes at Latimer Crossing, a 92-unit mixed-income housing development at 3261 Cleveland Avenue. It offers first priority to people displaced from the now-demolished Southward Village. Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price has been following this federal grant project for months as it transforms distressed…

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Help Shape the Future of Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland – Lakeland CRA

Lakeland’s Community Redevelopment Agency is inviting residents to an open house on Thursday, Nov. 6, to help revamp its visions for Downtown, Midtown and Dixieland. “Restore the Core” is a yearlong project to modernize the plans that guide investment in Lakeland’s three redevelopment districts. When: 6 to 9 p.m. Where: RP Funding Center, Lake Hollingsworth Room (near Entrance 2),…

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City of Kissimmee Announces Grant Programs to Enhance Properties, Fund New Police Officers

The City of Kissimmee announced late last week it has expanded its Residential Property Improvement Program (RPIP) to include the Vine Street Community Redevelopment Agency (VSCRA) and updated it for the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (DKCRA), enhancing support for local homeowners. Additionally, a Department of Justice grant will provide $750,000 to fund six new sworn…

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