City and Museum partner to recognize preservation efforts (Fernandina Beach)

The City of Fernandina Beach and the Amelia Island Museum of History wish to recognize the efforts of those involved in preserving our unique architectural resources by honoring historic preservation projects through the City’s third preservation awards program. Historic structures contribute to the identity of our community, and sensitive treatment of these resources ensures residents…

West Palm Beach to hire “walkability” scholar

WEST PALM BEACH — Nationally-recognized “walkability” and urban planning consultant and author Jeff Speck will do a study of West Palm Beach’s downtown. The board of the city’s Downtown Development Authority approved the deal at its monthly meeting on Tuesday. The  DDA will pay half the $50,000 cost, with the city and its community redevelopment agency splitting the other…

Lake Alfred Commission OKs CRA Plan

LAKE ALFRED | Lake Alfred is moving closer to creating a Community Redevelopment Agency. Commissioners voted Monday to adopt the area identified by a finding of necessity study as the target for the agency. Next the Polk County Commission will have to approve the finding of necessity study and give the city authority to establish…

Update on the Tampa InVision Plan

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn provides a swift update of the InVision Tampa Plan (developed with a 2010 HUD Community Challenge grant), which has focused on drawing development back into the city’s downtown and close-in neighborhoods.  So far, 1,000 residents have been involved, first hand, with 1,700 engaging with the project on-line. The waterfront and downtown is already attracting…

DEO Quarterly Newsletter

Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Department of Economic Opportunity’s (DEO) Quarterly Newsletter. Each quarter, this newsletter will highlight DEO’s activities, initiatives, and news items of interest to Florida’s workers, employers, economic and community developers, and more. The newsletter will highlight one division of DEO each quarter and provide an in-depth look into the…

Guest editorial: New Smyrna ready to shine

In the face of depressed economic conditions, the past four years have brought significant achievement and national recognition to the city of New Smyrna Beach. This progress is the result of collaboration, dedication to the city’s vision by staff and city leadership, and the good stewardship of previous administrations. With this strong foundation the future…