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May 25, 2023

2023 FRA AWARDS & ANNUAL CONFERENCE!

FRA Member News

New! Lake Wales Main Street Director Leaves for Lakeland Opportunity

A week after she spoke at Main Street Winter Haven’s City Works (X)po, Lake Wales Main Street Executive Director Karen Thompson is bidding farewell to her position in Lake Wales – both as the Assistant CRA Director and the Lake Wales Main Street executive director – to take on a new opportunity – which has not yet been announced – in Lakeland.

“She has been the backbone of our organization and we will greatly miss her,” said Ryan Buskirk, Immediate Past President, in a media release issued last week.

More info here

New! MOCA North Miami To Offer Programming To Commemorate Haitian Heritage Month + Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

MOCA will debut two exciting exhibitions opening this spring. “Lonnie Holley: If You Really Knew” invites visitors to experience the work of prolific artist Lonnie Holley in his first major exhibition in the South. The second showcases the work of 12 intergenerational South Florida artists selected to show their work in the “South Florida Cultural Consortium (SFCC)” exhibition. Both exhibitions go on view from May 10 through Oct. 1, 2023.

Also opening this spring is the South Florida Cultural Consortium (SFCC) exhibition, which brings together 12 artists working across various media including, sculpture, film, and site-specific installations. The exhibition, this year hosted and organized by MOCA, will provide a snapshot of the breadth and depth of the artistic talent in the South Florida art scene.

More info here

New! Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Announces Tax Increment Rebate for Downtown Hotel

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) announces that it has awarded a tax increment rebate to Jackson Street FTM Hotel LLC in the not-to-exceed amount of $2.460 million.

Jackson Street FTM Hotel LLC is developing Homes2 Suites hotel located at 1629 Jackson Street in downtown Fort Myers, expected to have 4-7 floors and 100-146 rooms.

The CRA’s increment rebate program is a special funding tool available to local governments to help spur economic development for projects that provide a community benefit and demonstrate a financial gap.

More info here

New! Change is Coming to Hollywood’s Main Street — for Drivers, Pedestrians, and Businesses

A $14.5 million construction project that began this week intends to transform Hollywood’s entertainment district into a corridor that puts pedestrians over vehicles.

But before the transformation, comes the mess: workers, heavy machinery, dust, and a possible impact on business.

What will the new project on downtown Hollywood’s main street look like when it’s finished in 17 months?

The Hollywood Boulevard Streetscape Project will convert parking spaces in front of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, and stores from diagonal to parallel from 21st Avenue to Young Circle — making way for wider sidewalks and expanded increased outdoor cafe cafézones. But it will reduce street parking spaces in the area from 157 to 107, according to the city.

More info here

New! World Changers are Coming to Panama City

The World Changers organization is bringing volunteers to Panama City in July.

The organization is teaming up with the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to complete home improvement projects for the residents in Downtown North and Millville.

The projects can range from painting to repairing a porch and more. However, in order to receive assistance you must apply and occupy a home in those districts.

No electrical or interior improvements will be provided. Homeowners will be notified by the Panama City CRA as to whether or not their house has been selected by a volunteer group.

More info here

New! ‘Living the Culture: Taste of Ethnicity’ To Be Held In Clearwater

The city of Clearwater is launching an events series called “Living the Culture,” which will celebrate cultural diversity and embrace living together in harmony.

The first free event in the Living the Culture series, “Taste of Ethnicity,” took place Saturday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., along the 600 block of Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater.



This inaugural cultural festival, hosted in collaboration with the city’s Office of Diversity and Equity Services and the Community Redevelopment Agency, will be held annually to commemorate World Diversity Day.

More info here

New! Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) signs management agreement for River District Farmer’s Market

The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) announces that it has signed a management agreement for the River District Farmer’s Market with Local Roots, LLC.

The market will take place from 9 AM – 1 PM Every Thursday under the Caloosahatchee Bridge at 200 West First Street.

The River District Farmer’s Market was put on hold last fall after Hurricane Ian. Originally named the Downtown Farmers Market and established in 1994, it is the oldest farmer’s market in Lee County. The CRA organized the River District Farmer’s Market to provide convenient and inexpensive market facilities for area vendors to sell their products directly to customers at reasonable prices.

More info here

New! $100K Earmarked for Affordable Downtown Pensacola Housing May Go to Beautification Instead

Pensacola’s Community Redevelopment Agency looks to be giving up on using tax revenue from the Downtown Improvement Board on affordable housing.

In 2020, the CRA and the DIB entered an agreement where it would hold back $100,000 a year from the DIB to be used to address affordable housing, however, because of the state law that created the DIB, those funds must be spent within the 44-block area of the DIB.

City officials say the money would sit unused for years because of the DIB area’s property cost.

More info here

New! The Greening of Florida's Brownfields

Federal infrastructure funds are doubling the pace of transforming derelict sites.

Over the last quarter-century, Florida has helped to transform almost 200 contaminated sites into clean community hubs. The pace of the redevelopment is about to pick up dramatically.

Developer Roxanne Williams, who turns some of those derelict sites into places where she would be comfortable spending an afternoon with her grandchildren, is happy that a big bump in federal infrastructure funding for brownfield redevelopment is flowing into Florida.

More info here

Art Exhibit Focused On Cuba Opens Friday In Clearwater

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.

More info here

How ‘Navigators’ Help Broward’s Homeless Find a Place to Live

Michael Sturrup parks his car in front of an apartment complex just north of the Dorsey Riverbend neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale. He’s checking in on one of his clients, Donolyn Williams, a disabled 63-year-old woman who had been homeless for about three years.



Her new apartment has a ramp for her walker — one Sturrup got installed. He hands her three Publix gift cards for groceries and other household items she’ll need for her new home — a shower curtain and broom are among her top priorities.

Sturrup is one of two “housing navigators” in Broward County’s Housing Options, Solutions, and Support Division. His job is to help people like Williams to find a place to live.

More info here

New Skatepark Celebrated

On Tuesday, May 2, the city of Pensacola celebrated the completion of the Blake Doyle Skatepark at Hollice T. Williams Park with a ribbon cutting and grand opening event. This commemorated a highly anticipated and monumental project for the Pensacola skate community.

The Pensacola community joined Mayor D.C. Reeves and Upward Intuition to celebrate this exciting project, which includes approximately 25,000 square feet of skateable surface area for skaters of all ages and skill levels. The skatepark features a beginner area, a multi-level skate plaza, two skate bowls, and an additional 5,700 square feet of surrounding sidewalk and gathering areas.

More info here

RFPs and RFQs

New! 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

Request for Proposals (RFP) 2023-03 Impact Fee Study – City of Crescent City

The City of Crescent City (hereinafter referred to as the City) is seeking proposals from qualified firms, teams or individuals with experience in reestablishing a schedule of impact fees referenced in Chapter 2, Section 2.5 of the Code of Ordinances, and accordingly update the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The impact fees to be considered are Transportation, Water, Sewer, Parks, Fire and Law Enforcement.

Deadline for Questions: May 25, 2023 @ 5PM

Due Date: May 31, 2023 @ 4:00 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

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

Submittals Due: 06/01/23, 2:30 P.M., City Hall lobby

Specifications are available on the City’s website at www.cityofpensacola.com/bids.aspx. Addenda will be posted to the City’s website. Respondents are responsible for obtaining addenda, and are advised to check the website frequently.

RFP info here

Jobs

New! 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

Communications Director – City of Bartow

This position requires proven leadership, management and communication skills assisting the City Manager’s Office in the engagement and communication with internal and external stakeholders. Leads, monitors, assesses, and evaluates City services, operations, and actions and develops appropriate informational pieces for use in communicating with staff, elected officials, residents, partners, and stakeholders. Through collaboration with administrative personnel in the departments, develops organizational messages, press releases, and official statements of dissemination via the City website, social media, radio, traditional print media, and television.

Deadilne to apply: June 5

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

MORE FRA RESOURCES

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