Your Weekly FRA Update:

March 30, 2023

"TAKE 5" - 5 Questions with Brenda Thrower

Take 5! Brenda Thrower

President-Elect, FRA Board of Directors

Economic Development Specialist II, City of Tampa, Ybor City CRA

“I hope to be remembered as the CRA’s biggest community cheerleader who positively promoted Tampa CRAs, particularly Ybor City, as well as the Florida Redevelopment Association. CRAs have played a significant role in the revitalization of our communities, preserving our historic structures, and improving the quality of life in Florida. We should share our stories and celebrate our successes!”

Read all of Brenda's answers here

Read all Take 5 features here

FRA MEMBER NEWS

New! Boynton Beach

Community Redevelopment Agency Tackles South Florida Housing Crisis

Florida has made national news in the past two years for its housing crisis. Due to rising home and rent prices, many residents have experienced difficulties securing safe and affordable housing within Palm Beach County.

In response to the local housing crisis and demand for attainable housing, the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA) looks forward to the construction of three key redevelopment projects – Heart of Boynton Village Apartments and Shops, Cottage District Affordable and Workforce Infill Housing, and The Pierce – that will bring 465 housing units to Downtown Boynton Beach within the next three years, 315 of which will be serving eligible households from the very low to moderate income categories.

More info here; Video here

New! Orlando Works to Ease Downtown Parking Woes with Free Parking Program

Whether it’s because of access or the cost, many people have felt the frustration of parking in downtown Orlando.

A recent survey from an organization called the City District Main Street found that parking is one of the top-three issues hindering the area’s economic growth.

The city said sometime after Memorial Day a new program will roll out allowing you to enter a code on your Park Mobile app and get two free hours instead of paying at a meter.

More info here

New! New Utility Task Vehicle added to Improve Security in Downtown Fort Myers

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency and the Fort Myers Police Department unveiled their new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) as part of its security measures in downtown Fort Myers. The new UTV is assigned to the Fort Myers Police Department in partnership with the Fort Myers Community Development Agency (CRA).

Officers will use the UTV for various events and concerts in the River District, including the monthly Music and Art Walks, Edison Festival of Lights Grand Parade, and block parties. According to FMPD, the department will patrol through the crowds and events to ensure attendees’ safety and interact with the public.

More info here

Hip Hop Eatery launches Food Pods

Bo Leg’s BBQ, a beloved barbecue joint previously located in the heart of North Miami Beach and recognized as one of the best local spots for barbecue, reopened at Skatebird Miami last week. The pandemic and other unforeseen circumstances had forced the family-operated business to shut down for two years.

The Bo Leg’s BBQ comeback was largely the result of a partnership with Hip Hop Eatery, a restaurant kitchen group based in South Florida. Founded by celebrity producer and filmmaker Marco “Mall” Molinet, it uses a team of marketing, business and engineering experts to build containers with full commercial kitchens that can house breakout restaurants.

“Right now, we’re talking to Sistrunk and the Broward CRA, who will pay for their restaurateurs to undergo a training program and have agreed to cover their lease for a year,” said Molinet. “In the program, these people will be able to use the containers and get training to be able to start their businesses. And if they’re doing well, they’re going to move to the next step, which is them getting their own container or splitting it with another vendor.”

More info here

CRA Awards Matching Grant

The city of Brooksville Community Redevelopment Agency’s Executive Review Committee has awarded a property improvement matching grant. The grant was approved on Jan. 13 for Pastor Christopher Gosselin, Harvest Time Hernando Church, 504 E. Jefferson Street, Brooksville.

The grant of $1,100 is to replace an existing sign.

All properties located in the Brooksville CRA district are eligible for this improvement matching grant program. The area includes properties that front along portions of Main Street, Liberty Street, Broad Street, Jefferson Street, Fort Dade Avenue and Saxon Avenue.

More info here

Hilton Tempo to start Construction in Fall 2023 in Fort Myers

Construction could start on Hilton Tempo in September 2023. Initially, the venture was supposed to break ground in 2022. Yet, according to FOX 4 Southwest Florida, the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) pushed it back after the venture switched owners. Before, Marriot would oversee the venture. Now, Hilton does.

Upon completion, the eight-story hotel would offer 140 rooms, requiring close to 80,000 square feet of new construction, per the Fort Myers CRA. At this time, it’s unclear what amenities the hotel will offer.

More info here

Delray Green Market Saturday

Green Market Winter Season – Running until May 20th, 9 am – 2 pm.
Green Market Summer Season: May 27th – July 29th, 9 am to 1 pm.

The Delray GreenMarket is a Saturday morning destination. The open-air farmer’s market located on the front lawn of the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square was created in 1996 by the Community Redevelopment Agency. The Delray GreenMarket has become one of the most popular and charming aspects of the ‘season’ in Delray Beach.

More info here

More FRA Member News to Use

Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency Tackles South Florida Housing Crisis with 315 New Affordable and Workforce Units

New Utility Task Vehicle added to Improve Security in Downtown Fort Myers

Orlando Works to Ease Downtown Parking Woes with Free Parking Program

Delray Green Market Saturday

Hilton Tempo to start Construction in Fall 2023 in Fort Myers

CRA awards matching grant

Hip Hop Eatery launches Food Pods

Panama City Beach holds Public Meeting for Front Beach Road Project

USF-Developed App Creates Augmented Reality Experience for Downtown Clearwater Murals

Clermont’s BIG Question: “What To Do With The 8th Street Pier?”

Click here to see all news articles.

RFPs and RFQs

New! RFQ No. 23-014, Urban Planning, Design, Research, Analysis and Plan Amendment Services for Update of the Pensacola Community Redevelopment Plans

RFQ No.: 23-014 Title: Urban Planning, Design, Research, Analysis and Plan Amendment Services for Update of the Pensacola Community Redevelopment Plans - Specifications are available on the City’s website at www.cityofpensacola.com/bids.aspx. Addenda will be posted on the City’s website. Respondents are responsible for obtaining addenda and are advised to check the website frequently.

Deadline: May 1, 2023, no later than 2:30 p.m., City Hall lobby

RFP info here

RFP: Triangle Project Development Partner – City of Homestead

In accordance with Section 163.380(3)(A), Florida Statutes, the City of Homestead is announcing its intent to enter into a long-term ground lease for an approximately 2.06-acre parcel located at SW 4th Street and Railroad Avenue for the development of mixed-use transit-oriented project.

Deadline: May 12, 2023 no later than 2:00 p.m.

RFP info here

COC Disposal of Real Estate and Development of a Mixed-Use Hotel at 603 Brevard Avenue

The Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) owns the property at 603 Brevard Avenue and, in accordance with the CRA’s Redevelopment Plan, seeks to redevelop the property as an upper midscale, mixed-use, 100+ room hotel project with structured hotel and public parking (100 free [unless metered by City] public spaces some of which will be for electric vehicles) within the project.

Deadline: Apr. 18, 2023 no later than 3:00 p.m.

RFP info here

RFP for Vision, Master Plan and Update to the Redevelopment Plan

It is the intent of the City of Crescent City, Florida, and its CRA Board (Also referenced herein as “The Board”) to select a professional company, consultant teams and/or an individual contractor to create a Vision, Master Plan and Update to the Redevelopment Plan for Crescent City’s downtown and the US17 corridor.

Deadline: April 4, 2023 no later than 4:00 p.m.

RFP info here

RFP for Disposal of Real Estate and Development of Mixed Use Hotel

COC Disposal of Real Estate and Development of a Mixed-Use Hotel at 603 Brevard Avenue

The Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) owns the property at 603 Brevard Avenue and, in accordance with the CRA’s Redevelopment Plan, seeks to redevelop the property as an upper midscale (AAA “three-diamond” minimum), mixed-use, 100+ room hotel project with structured hotel and public parking (100 free [unless metered by City] public spaces some of which will be for electric vehicles) within the project.

Deadline: Responses are due by 3:00 pm, April 18, 2023

RFP info here

JOBS

Job: Economic Development Manager - City of Deltona

Prepares, solicits, and counsels businesses to locate in the City. Confers with present business and commercial land owners for future development. Develops strategies to fulfill city needs to assist in business development within the City and work closely with Team Volusia to achieve new investments in our City. Works with agencies of workforce development to develop a skilled workforce with educational emphasis on school district and colleges/universities. Conducts research on businesses that are expanding and solicits businesses to locate in the City. Confers with business services providers to assist in business development and improvement.

The position will close on April 3.

Job info here

Division Director – Community Redevelopment Agency – Collier County Board of County Commissioners

Collier County Board of County Commissioners is seeking an individual for the position of Director – Community Redevelopment Agency to administer, plan, direct, and oversees all matters pertaining to Collier County’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the two Community Redevelopment Areas (Bayshore Gateway Triangle and Immokalee) including budget, personnel, and outside consultants; develop and implement programs to enhance, revitalize, redevelop, and strengthen the County’s designated redevelopment areas.

The position will close on March 23.

Job info here

Job: Economic Development Director – City of New Port Richey

The City of New Port Richey is seeking an experienced economic development professional to serve in a key role on the City’s Leadership Team. New Port Richey is located in Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, approximately thirty miles northwest of Tampa. The Gulf of Mexico coastline borders the west side and the Pithlachascotee River runs through the city. The City has a total area of 4.6 square miles and has approximately 17,000 residents, which makes the City the second largest in the County.

The City has a traditional downtown with interesting businesses, a thriving Community Development Authority and a Main Street Program. The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government and the successful candidate will work closely with the City Manager to assist the City’s existing businesses with retention and growth, recruitment of new businesses, and neighborhood reinvestment strategies.

The position will close on March 24, 2023. EOE/DFWP.

Job info here