3/26/26 FRA Newsletter Highlights: 📚 CRA Board Training June 12, 2026 | Panama City Training for elected and appointed officials, volunteers, and advisory board members focused on CRA governance, legal guidance, administration, and policy best practices 👥 FRA Member Spotlight Opportunity Members can submit a “Why Join the FRA” quote plus headshot to Merrily Bennett…
A major redevelopment effort is taking shape in Downtown Tampa, where plans are moving forward to bring approximately 1,150 new residential units to the area—about 70% of which will be designated as affordable and workforce housing. The project aims to transform underutilized land into a connected, mixed-use community with housing, retail, and public spaces. The…
The Sunseeker Resort expansion is poised to deliver a major boost to Charlotte County’s economy, building on the momentum of one of Southwest Florida’s premier waterfront destinations. The large-scale resort, featuring hundreds of rooms, dining, entertainment, and meeting space, continues to position the area as a growing hub for tourism and hospitality. The Charlotte Harbor…
Construction is gaining momentum at the Fortenberry Apartments in Merritt Island, marking a significant milestone for this highly anticipated residential development. Crews have moved into more advanced stages of construction, with visible progress such as exterior siding installation offering a first look at the future community. The project reflects continued investment in housing and growth…
The City of Orlando is taking another step to expand homeownership opportunities in Parramore with the approval of eight newly constructed single-family homes as part of its Infill Housing Initiative. Now in its third phase, the program continues to focus on increasing owner-occupancy while creating long-term stability for the neighborhood. The Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency…
The City of Melbourne is making a major investment in its future with the approval of a $24 million Downtown Streetscape Project designed to transform the heart of the city. Using a Complete Streets approach, the project will enhance walkability, accessibility, and overall aesthetics through upgraded sidewalks, lighting, landscaping, and infrastructure improvements. The Melbourne Community…
A major public art initiative is transforming Kissimmee as Osceola Arts, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), brings the ARTisNOW Mural Project to life. Along E. Vine Street, four acclaimed artists are turning a 180-foot wall into a vibrant visual experience that celebrates the city’s culture, environment, and community identity.…
The Coral Springs Museum of Art is set to make an exciting move to a new downtown location, bringing fresh energy to the city’s growing cultural district. Scheduled to open in summer 2026, the new gallery space within the Cornerstone development will offer increased visibility, accessibility, and opportunities to connect residents and visitors with the…
Construction is officially underway to transform the former Robinson Grocery Store in Tallahassee’s Bond neighborhood into a long-anticipated community resource center. After years of uncertainty, the project marks a major step forward in preserving a site deeply rooted in local history while creating a space designed to serve residents for generations to come. The Community…
Sebring is taking an exciting step forward with the upcoming groundbreaking of Sadie’s Place, a new mixed-use destination set to bring fresh energy to North Ridgewood Drive. The project will transform the former Nan-ces-o-wee Hotel site into a vibrant gathering space featuring a restaurant, retail shops, a food truck, and unique concepts like an Airstream-based…
Fort Lauderdale has officially unveiled the Thrive Art District, a vibrant five-acre creative hub transforming Progresso Village into a destination for arts, culture, and small business growth. Spanning more than 80,000 square feet, the district reflects a strong commitment to thoughtful redevelopment that celebrates the neighborhood’s character while creating new economic opportunities for residents and…
3/19/26 FRA Newsletter Highlights: 📢 Call for Sessions – 2026 FRA Annual ConferenceDeadline extended to Friday, March 20, 2026Conference dates: October 20-23 | Sunseeker Resort, Charlotte Harbor 📚 CRA Board TrainingSign up now 👥 FRA Member Spotlight OpportunityMembers can submit a “Why Join the FRA” quote plus headshot to Merrily Bennett 🎓 FRA Academy Elective…
The legislature adjourned Sine Die on Friday at 3:15 pm without completing the 2026-2027 state budget. Throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, tensions between the House and Governor, and House and Senate, dictated the pace and tone of work in Tallahassee. The Governor, beginning mid-last year, introduced the idea of eliminating property taxes as a method…
“Take 5” – 5 Questions with Deena Drumgo – Assistant City Manager, City of Lake Wales FRA Board of Directors Q: What is your best piece of business advice for a new FRA member? Deena: My advice would be to get involved with a committee, take an academy class, and sign up to receive FRA…
The Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency Board got its final update March 3 on the 100 percent draft of concept plans for the new community center in Rio and Dixie Highway streetscape improvements that will finally conclude expansion begun years ago. Planning and urban designers from Marlin Engineering of Fort Lauderdale and Dover, Kohl and…