Think how long it has been since the St. Petersburg City Council voted on a hot July afternoon in 1986 to take a leap of faith and build a domed stadium in hopes of attracting a Major League Baseball franchise and rejuvenating a dying downtown. It was a risky bet on the future by a…
As a downtown Lake Worth resident for nearly 25 years, I am neither a fan of unbridled growth nor a fan of “Lake Worth should just be a dune.” I spent a decade in sales/marketing with two national hotel chains, and I’ve always felt this little gem called the Gulfstream Hotel was such a missed…
The Marlin Hotel, once a hangout for Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams and Aerosmith, unveiled its new look Wednesday. Gone is the Caribbean-hip vibe that British fashion designer Barbara Hulanicki brought to the Marlin when it was owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, and the spare style that replaced it after Blackwell sold the hotel in 2004.…
STUART — The city is expected to move ahead with growing its redevelopment area, over the strong objection of Martin County. “I think the main thing is to get over any inertia and get going with it, which is what the commission most likely will do,” Mayor Jeffrey Krauskopf said. Preliminary vote on the redevelopment…
You’ll be greeted by a new sign when driving into Boynton Beach now. The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency spent about $240,000 on new entry signs for the city and landscaping on Federal Highway. Eventually, the signs will be illuminated at night. Read full article
NEW PORT RICHEY — A Pasco County city focused on growth is saying no to a particular kind of store in downtown. The New Port Richey City Council recently voted in favor of a new ordinance that would prohibit convenience stores from opening downtown. “We think convenience stores are a deterrent to traditional businesses in…
The site of the old Medical Center Clinic building near downtown Pensacola has a new owner, but it may not yield the kind of redevelopment opportunity neighbors had envisioned. Redevelopment of 1750 N. Palafox has been a challenge. It has been eyed as a spot to add to the housing or rental market stock in…
The new Bonita Springs branch of the Lee County Library will be located in city’s downtown section, following an agreement reached Tuesday by city and county officials on the placement and general design. County officials agreed to the city’s request to put the library downtown, rather than building a new facility at the current site on Pine Avenue. Read…
NEW PORT RICHEY — Some big changes are coming in 2016, says City Manager Debbie Manns. First and foremost, is the Sims Park Grand Reopening Celebration, which is coming 12:30 p.m. Jan. 30, Manns recently told the audience at Greater New Port Richey Main Street Lunch and Learn. The park has been closed since June. The…
ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Rick Kriseman wants to make one thing clear: at least $5 million is headed to the impoverished neighborhoods of south St. Petersburg from the Tampa Bay Rays deal — regardless of whether the team stays or goes. And that $5 million is just a down payment, he said Tuesday. The predominantly African-American community…
West Palm’s Community Redevelopment Agency wants to hire a company to set up a design competition to re-imagine the city waterfront and downtown. “The city wishes to evaluate, imagine, plan and design for continued growth along the West Palm Beach Waterfront that will help to grow the economic base of the city.” At today’s 3…
Lonnie Ballard, assistant city manager over development and transportation, resigned today. Ballard — whose last day will be Jan. 29 — led the Aviation, Public Works, Growth Management, Planning Land and Community Enhancement and Economic and Community Development departments since former City Manager Anita Favors Thompson hired him in April 2014. Ballard also provided oversight to the Capital…
