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…

Sirens Will Blare in Winter Haven Thursday. It’s a Test of a New Lightning Alert System

Winter Haven residents at the city’s recreational facilities Thursday might hear sirens go off multiple times, but there’s no reason for alarm. The City of Winter Haven in collaboration with the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency has installed a new lightning alert system, DTN On Guard Siren Alerting Solution, at two locations: AdventHealth Fieldhouse and Conference Center, home…

City Council is digging into the Downtown Investment Authority. Here’s What DIA Does.

The Downtown Investment Authority has been the go-to agency in Jacksonville since 2012 for attracting investment into downtown, a mission that’s getting a fresh check-up by a special City Council committee. The committee created by City Council President Ron Salem will take close look at whether DIA has met expectations for fostering downtown development and what changes,…