The future of the Marianna’s Russ House It’s somewhat sad to see Marianna’s iconic Russ House, the stately mansion that housed the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and, currently, the Jackson County Tourist Development Council, with a For Sale sign out. The antebellum structure is perhaps the most stunning example of period architecture in the…
Broadway project a ‘start’ in revitalization of west Ocala West Broadway has a new look. The city of Ocala recently completed a project to upgrade the street from the State Road 40 bridge bypass to Pine Avenue. “It makes it more pedestrian friendly,” said Catherine Cameron, assistant city manager of public services. “People can walk…
Downtown North CRA in Panama City installs new leadership PANAMA CITY — The Downtown North Community Redevelopment Agency has reconfigured the way it prioritizes grants with an advisory committee. The Downtown North Advisory Committee will consist of seven members representing the different interests within the massive district. The paramount requirement would be that members either…
Port St. Lucie’s Civic Center could become financial burden on city The Civic Center in Port St. Lucie sits mostly alone on land off U.S. 1 and Walton Road in an area once envisioned as a bustling downtown. Read more about what could save the project. Read full story
Activists hope to restore historic Jackson House in Tampa TAMPA — A coalition of civic activists led by Tax Collector Doug Belden and businessman Marvin Knight hopes to restore the historic Jackson House. “They have uplifted my heart,” said Willie Robinson Jr., whose family has owned the rooming house for more than 100 years. “A…
A busier downtown St. Petersburg not always Sunshine City Take a look skyward and one of the first things you notice are the cranes brushing broad strokes of development in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. There are at least a half dozen developments under construction. These signs of growth offer opportunities for small businesses,…
St. Petersburg officials name panel to study waterfront ST. PETERSBURG — City officials announced this week the makeup of an expert panel from the Urban Land Institute that will soon arrive here to analyze the waterfront, interview stakeholders and offer guidance on the area’s future. At a cost of $125,000 (80 percent of which was paid…
Sarasota mansion teardown part of a trend? SARASOTA – Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik’s decision to raze a perfectly livable — and relatively new — St. Armands Key mansion may have set Southwest Florida real estate watchers abuzz, but the demolition won’t be the opening salvo of a new trend involving upscale homes, local professionals…
‘Unsightly’ ship vexes Panama City PANAMA CITY — After spending upward of $100,000 to remove more than 20 derelict boats from Watson Bayou, Panama City has been left with one behemoth of an eyesore, city officials said. El Dorado, also called the Sun Dancer, is formerly a luxury cruise liner transferred from the St. Andrews…
Gerald Ensley: ‘The urban myth’ of Gaines Street, Tallahassee A couple of weeks ago, I made the mistake of posting on Facebook a few words of admiration for the opening of Bass Pro Shops in Tallahassee. I don’t hunt, fish or camp. But I know a dazzling retail operation when I see one. Of course,…
St. Pete Beach begins detailed study of downtown, Corey areas ST. PETE BEACH — A $280,000 consultant study is expected to produce a definitive plan for revitalizing the city’s downtown and Corey Avenue areas. “This is more than talk about ideas and ending up with a list of 10 things that are important,” City Manager Mike…
Wise investments for downtown Zephyrhills The city of Zephyrhills is advancing a downtown improvement plan that amounts to out with the old and in with the old. It’s a welcome convergence as the city seeks to preserve its history while simultaneously refurbishing aging building exteriors in its business district. Last week, the City Council, sitting…
