Tallahassee bills cast cloud over future of development agencies like Jacksonville’s DIA

State legislation that could end new projects by Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority – and hundreds of similar agencies statewide – alarms their supporters and sparks debate about Tallahassee’s control over redevelopment. Bills to phase out what the state calls “community redevelopment agencies” are filed in both chambers of Florida’s Legislature. The more sweeping of those…

Pensacola – Still Waiting on Sale of Former School District Headquarters

After previous estimations targeted the start of this month for when a defunct, multi-parcel property in downtown Pensacola could officially transfer ownership to a development group seeking to revitalize it, several more weeks must pass before the transaction can take place. The Escambia County School District’s former headquarters at 213 W. Garden St. still awaits remediation before the school district…

Stuart – Martin County Moving Along With Railroad Study

County officials are whittling down the list of possible areas to improve railroad crossings as train traffic is expected to rise with increased freight transportation and the addition of All Aboard Florida’s Brightline passenger trains next year. The Community Redevelopment Agency board on Monday prioritized improvements at crossings near schools, Golden Gate and downtown Stuart after hearing recommendations for…