Your Weekly FRA Update:

June 8, 2023

2023 FRA AWARDS: DEADLINE EXTENDED!

FRA Member News

New! Art Exhibit Focuses on Cuba

The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency is hosting two new art exhibits at the Clearwater Main Library showcasing the beauty and culture of Cuba, featuring the artwork of legendary photographer Clyde Butcher and local Tampa Bay artists.

“Cuba: The Natural Beauty,” by photographer Clyde Butcher, is the result of a commission by the United Nations to create a portfolio of the mountainous lands of Cuba. Butcher set out on three week-long expeditions into unfamiliar lands. He explored the island country’s varied geographic regions, from the Sierra Maestra Mountains in Cuba’s eastern Granma province to the southern coast between Manzananilo and Santiago de Cuba. He ventured to places including Baracoa in the northeast, the southern waterfalls of the Serra de San Juan, and the mogotes of the west in the Piña del Rio region.

The results of those travels will be on display in the exhibit.

Read more here

New! Rock the Block!

The funds raised from Rock the Block go directly back into the nonprofit’s Neighborhood Revitalization program, which addresses the need to preserve affordable housing and healthier living conditions through its critical repair and aging-in-place programs. The goal is to help homeowners stay in their existing homes, protect their financial investments, and improve their quality of life.

“We are so grateful to all of the volunteers and supporters of this year’s Rock the Block,” said Jennifer Thomason, CEO and President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County. “Rock the Block gives Habitat the perfect opportunity to partner with the City of Delray Beach and the CRA to make a lasting impact in our community. The collaboration successfully supports our mission to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.”

This year’s Rock the Block was presented by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, and the City of Delray Beach.

Read more here

New! Possible Program Would Address Uptick in Orlando Graffiti

Orlando city officials are seeing an uptick in graffiti along buildings in the downtown area.

Now, business owners said they’re fed up.

“As a small business owner, it’s difficult to have these things on the wall,” said Dr. Frederic Freeman, owner of Healthquest Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, Inc. “And it just really doesn’t do the community (any) good.”

His building is one of many being defaced around the area. City officials are working to address the problem and help cut costs for business owners.

The program would help property owners in a downtown CRA boundary and would reimburse up to 80% of the costs of up to $4,000 a year per property.

Read more here

Why Do We Redevelop Communities?

By Jeff Burton, PhD

Most organizational leaders, including those in local government, focus on the “how” or the “what” of their actions. In 1999, as a newly elected 22-year-old Palmetto city councilman, my “why” was “improving the citizens’ quality of life.” Over those next four years, my “why” drifted into a lot of “whats,” like a wastewater treatment plant and economic growth, and “hows,” like privatization and incentives to save tax dollars or increase tax base and reduce the city’s risk exposure. The “hows” and “whats” are essential and ultimately support the “why,” but they do not engender the long-term commitment, consistency, and focus of the “why” and will likely evolve into leadership “mission drift,” which the organization will follow away from its “why.” Today, as a professional Florida community redeveloper, I ask myself, “Why do we redevelop communities?”

Read more here

Rock the Plaza

The Rock the Plaza event on June 8 provides a spotlight on plazas located within the BBCRA area while encouraging community members to patronize local businesses and restaurants. The plaza activations feature live music and entertainment, as well as engaging activities in an effort to stimulate foot traffic and showcase the offerings of local businesses.

Read more here

City Opens New Marina at Community Maritime Park in Downtown Pensacola

The City of Pensacola is opening the Pensacola Bay Pier at Community Maritime Park on Thursday.

The Downtown Pensacola marina will provide free public waterfront access points for boaters visiting Community Maritime Park, Downtown Pensacola, and surrounding areas.

Read more here

Historic Preservationists Honored at Polk Theatre Awards Ceremony

The Well at 114 East Parker Street in the North Downtown neighborhood was honored. Previously the site of a thrift shop, the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency took ownership and in 2021, a two-story masonry building was constructed. Created by co-founders Sallie Stone and Mario Stone, The Well is a flexible workspace used by a diverse community of independent professionals, startups, and teams from large and small businesses.

Read more here

Clearwater Calling For Artists For Multiple Public Art Projects

The Clearwater Public Art & Design Program has multiple public art opportunities for professional artists to design and create artwork on several installations in the city.

The city is seeking a muralist to paint two water tanks; a mosaic artist for the Mercado, a new community space in the city’s Downtown Gateway; and a sculptor to build an installation at the new city Fire Station 46 on Clearwater Beach.

Read more here

City of Homestead: Community Redevelopment Agency offers Various Grant Programs

In their efforts to revitalize the City of Homestead, the Community Redevelopment Agency offers various grant programs that target blight removal and economic development within their community, including:

Commercial Enhancement Grants
Housing Rehabilitation Program

Read more here

More FRA Member News to Use!

Click here to see all news articles. We love to share our member news and regularly post on social media!

Have something special to share? Email fra@flcities.com and let us know!

RFPs and RFQs

RFP #23-08 For the Purchase of City-owned Property and Provision of a Mixed-use Development

The City of Sebastian is requesting proposals from qualified real estate developers/investors/operators for the purchase and redevelopment of city-owned property located at 1215 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL 32958 (former Harbor Lights Motel). This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is issued in accordance with the disposal of real property provisions set forth in Section 163.380, Florida Statutes. The Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency “CRA” invites Proposers to submit their qualifications, approach, conceptual design, financial and other terms for the Proposer to purchase, design, permit, construct, finance, operate and maintain a mixed-use development on a 0.51+/- acre site located at 1215 Indian River Drive, Sebastian, FL. The City will NOT pay real estate commissions on this sale.

Proposals are Due by Friday, July 21, 2023 @ 2:00 PM

RFP info here

RFP #23-11 For the Purchase of City-Owned Property and Provision of a Mixed use Commercial Development

The City of Sebastian is requesting proposals from qualified real estate developers/investors/operators for the purchase and redevelopment of city-owned property located at 100 Veterans Memorial Way, Sebastian, FL 32958 (former Public Works Compound). This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) is issued in accordance with the disposal of real property provisions set forth in Section 163.380, Florida Statutes. The Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency “CRA” invites Proposers to submit their qualifications, approach, conceptual design, financial and other terms for the Proposer to purchase, design, permit, construct, finance, operate and maintain a mixed-use commercial/industrial development on a 4.42+/- acre site, minus Veterans Memorial Way right of way. The City will NOT pay real estate commissions on this sale.

Proposals are Due by Friday, July 14, 2023 @ 2:00 PM

RFP info here

Professional Services For New Community Redevelopment Plan For the City of Cedar Key

It is the intent of the City Commission of Cedar Key, Florida to select a professional company, consultant teams and/or an individual contractor to create a New Community Redevelopment Plan for the City downtown district and other possible areas within the City.

Time and Due Date: The City of Cedar Key will accept Proposals that must include statements of qualifications from firms/individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities authorized to conduct business in the State of Florida. The proposals must be received by the City by June 13, 2023 no later than 4:00 pm.

RFP info here

Jobs

New! Economic Development Manager – City of Delray Beach

Under general direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Economic Development Manager plans and implements business and economic development programs and strategies for the City with particular emphasis on the downtown and other business corridors within the City and manages special projects on behalf of the Office of the City Manager. Duties Include establishing and implementing business attraction and retention strategies, incentive programs, marketing, workforce development, establishing and maintaining relationships with the business and other related communities, and other related projects as assigned. Work is performed at a highly professional level with a high degree of independence and initiative.

Deadline: June 24

Job info here

Special Projects Coordinator (Economic Development) – Hillsborough County

Reporting to the MBE/SBE Division Director, this position performs highly responsible duties related to managerial, administrative and compliance duties associated with economic development, minority/woman-owned business enterprise (MBE) and small business encouragement (SBE) programs, and the operation of related activities within Hillsborough County. This position manages community outreach efforts and vendor engagement to increase MBE and SBE utilization in County procurement initiatives. This position is essential in assisting the County in diversifying its supplier base and providing opportunities for MBE and SBE firms to obtain County contracts with Hillsborough County.

Deadline: June 24

Job info here

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Legal Advisor – City of Fort Myers

Salary: $90,001.60 – $150,009.60 Annually

Closing: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency is seeking to fill the CRA Legal Advisor position with an individual experienced in managing and supervising legal matters, negotiating, drafting contracts, and advising CRA staff regarding duties, powers, functions, and obligations.

Job info here

Executive Director, Community Redevelopment Agency – City of Bartow

Type: Full Time

Salary/Pay Rate: $79,643.20 – $112,536.24

Deadline to Apply: 06/02/2023

Job info here

Redevelopment Planner (CRA) – City of Kissimmee

This professional will serve two dynamic and diverse Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs) within the rapidly growing City of Kissimmee, Florida. This advanced professional work will create opportunities to shape and redevelop two distinct CRA districts. The City’s Historic Downtown CRA is focused on revitalization and community enhancement within Downtown Kissimmee; and the Vine Street CRA district seeks to maximize redevelopment on a major roadway corridor.

Job info here

Executive Director CRA – City of Bradenton

Department: Community Redevelopment Agency

Compensation: Director – DOQ

Hours: Full Time

Deadline: Open until filled

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) within the City of Bradenton is seeking an experienced Executive Director with extensive knowledge to manage the professional work activities of the Bradenton CRA, the Central CRA, and the 14th Street CRA. This individual will have experience in working with staff, developers, investors, and business owners to promote the economic growth and the vision of the City of Bradenton and the Community Redevelopment Areas.

Job info here

Senior Planner (Neighborhood Outreach), City of Lakeland

This is responsible professional and technical work in the field of urban planning and community development. Work involves conducting complex assignments requiring considerable skill in research, analysis and presentation of data. Work includes the development of specific plans, studies and recommendations. Technical advice and assistance is given to neighborhood interest groups, property owners, and develops to address both community and development goals. Developing public and interdepartmental relationships is a key aspect of this position.

Job info here

Senior Coordinator Competitive Site Analyst (Economic Development) – Hillsborough County

Reporting to the Competitive Sites Manager, this position performs highly responsible professional duties related to a proactive and holistic effort to position competitive sites within Hillsborough County. This position provides support to the manager and department leadership in program administration, client outreach, and data analysis to assist County efforts in incentivizing strategic real estate development. This position is essential in assisting the County in diversifying its economic base by attracting jobs and investment to unincorporated Hillsborough County.

Job info here

Senior Coordinator Redevelopment Site Analysis (Economic Development) – Hillsborough County

The Senior Coordinator of Redevelopment Site Analysis reports to the Competitive Sites Manager. This position performs highly responsible, independent professional duties related to a proactive and holistic effort to attract private capital investment into the County’s redevelopment areas to fuel economic prosperity.

The ideal candidate will be one who can focus primarily on working with business and property owner applicants in processing redevelopment program incentive requests through an on-line application portal, preparing associated agreements and agenda items for BOCC approval, monitoring the progress of the associated incentive work, assisting applicants in filing reimbursement claims at the conclusion of the work and maintaining project files documenting the work from start to finish.

Job info here