The ABCs of CRAs

Greg Oravec, economic development director and assistant city manager of New Port Richey, offered this explanation of CRAs and how they work: In 1969, the Florida Legislature adopted the Community Redevelopment Act, empowering cities and counties to revitalize the parts of their communities suffering from conditions associated with “slum” and/or “blight” through a specific set…

CRA Advisory Board Awards Future Museum $100K

At the last Avon Park Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board meeting on June 13, the board unanimously agreed to award $100,000 to the proposed baseball museum. Councilwoman Berniece Taylor asked if Dr. Ronald Sevigny had brought the city’s attention to the museum, which will be named after former MLB star Thomas “Flash” Gordon, a resident…

Victor George Spirits Moving Forward with Plans for Black-Owned Distillery Venue in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s very own Victor George Spirits is breaking through and breaking ground. Literally. Billed as Florida’s only Black-owned distillery, the company is hosting a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, June 25, for what will be called The Victory Building, named in honor of the original, historic Victory Theatre once located nearby on Sistrunk Boulevard. In…

Newberry CRA May Hire Economic Development Team

Following the May 28, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board convened briefly to hear an educational presentation by CRA Executive Director Bryan Thomas. The focus was on the collaboration with Downtown Strategies, a firm specializing in revitalizing small to mid-sized cities that function independently of larger metropolitan areas. “Downtown Strategies…

Naples Public Garage Proceeding on Schedule

Despite finding petroleum tanks, shock absorbers and a toxic chemical while clearing land for its new four-story public garage, Naples city officials still expect the $16 million structure will open early next year. Structural footings and stem walls are complete, and work is proceeding on the underground stormwater retention vault at the city’s third public…

Pensacola approves Community Land Trust Agreement for Three New Affordable Homes

A new model to build affordable housing got the green light from the Pensacola City Council on Monday afternoon. The Pensacola City Council, meeting as the Community Redevelopment Agency board, unanimously approved donating three properties to the Northwest Florida Community Land Trust in a 5-0 vote. Under the agreement, the Home Builders Association of West Florida will…