Growing Third Places in Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach plans to upgrade its two public gardens and create events there where people can connect. Why it matters: It’s an investment in third places in a city that is focused on strengthening the community. Driving the news: Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Gedel Merzius explained the program at the board’s Aug. 12 meeting.…

Opinion: Apopka’s CRA Has the Money… Now It Needs a Transformative Mission

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency enters FY2027 with something many redevelopment agencies would envy: money. Its adopted budget totals nearly $7.85 million, including approximately $6.13 million in reserves and carryover funding. That balance partly reflects the CRA’s difficulty completing projects as quickly as revenue has accumulated, although a recent progress report shows meaningful work is…

Tampa CRA Opens Applications for Two New Commercial Grant Opportunities

The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has opened applications for two grant opportunities designed to support commercial property improvements and help businesses overcome development barriers within the City of Tampa’s designated Community Redevelopment Areas: Central Park, Channel District, Downtown, Drew Park, East Tampa, Tampa Heights Riverfront, West Tampa and Ybor City. Together, the grants provide…

Apopka CRA Adopts $7.8 Million Budget, Redirects Money to Park and Sidewalks

The Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency approved a nearly $7.85 million budget Monday night while redirecting money toward park improvements and sidewalks, moving forward with one property purchase and abandoning another. The FY2027 budget includes approximately $6.13 million in reserves and carryover funds. Through June 30, the CRA had spent $870,286 of its $6.43 million revised…