Your Weekly FRA Update:

April 30, 2026

The Florida Redevelopment Association Awards program recognizes the best in redevelopment in Florida and is open to any member of the association.



Within 9 juried categories, the Roy F. Kenzie Awards celebrate the most innovative and effective redevelopment programs in Florida. Winners demonstrate innovation and positive impact on their communities and inspire other Florida communities.

The 9 categories are: Annual Report; Capital Project/Infrastructure; Creative Project Funding and Development Partnership; Innovative Blight Management Programs; Out of the Box; Outstanding Housing Project; Outstanding New Building; Outstanding Rehab, Renovation or Reuse and Planning Studies.

These trainings are designed for elected and appointed officials, volunteers, and advisory board members who want a clear, practical understanding of Community Redevelopment Agencies. Attendees will gain valuable insight into the legal, administrative, and policy considerations that support successful CRA governance.

June 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

715 3rd Street NW

The Garden Center

Winter Haven, FL 33881

Registration Fee: $50

Instructor:

Renee A. Jadusingh, Esq, FRA-RA, FRA Past President, Executive Director at Delray Beach CRA

June 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

City of Panama City

City Hall, Room 10

Panama City, FL 32401

Registration Fee: $50

Instructor:

Clifford B. Shepard, Attorney at Law and FRA General Counsel, who brings extensive experience in city, county, and local government law, as well as mediation and arbitration.

 Join us! Contact FRA@flcities.com for more information

FRA Members - submit your "Why Join The FRA" quote by sending a short quote and your headshot to Merrily Bennett at mbennett@flcities.com.

The FRA Academy Elective Course, "Capital Project Management,” will be held on June 12 in Orlando! 

The FRA Academy is a unique educational program designed to promote a prerequisite level of knowledge and professionalism in the field of community redevelopment.

Capital project management topics will include: 


- Planning the project (selecting, building consensus, build vs buy)

- Organizing the project (design, procurement, consultants, vendors, compliance based on fund source) 

- Implementing the project (contract execution, build process) 

- Closing the project (documentation, audit, records, final report) 

• - Typical CRA capital projects (infrastructure, mini-grants, landscaping, streetscapes, loans, land acquisitions)

FRA Member News

The FRA features member news in our weekly newsletter and on our social media channels - make sure you are following the FRA social media feeds to see CRA member posts; plus you can share news from the FRA's "Redevelopment Works" campaign!

FRA Members - share your stories and successes with the FRA - email us at fra@flcities.com and include a description or press release, and a photo!



New! Lakeland CRA Mural Passport Aims to Boost Tourism and Business with Art

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



A splash of color can make a huge difference in attracting people downtown and to other districts.A new initiative in Lakeland is enhancing culture and driving economic development.

At By the Chef Pizza, don’t call their pie Sicilian or Detroit-style.”We call it our focaccia deep-dish pizza,” Peter Garces, owner and executive chef of By the Chef Pizza, said. “It is its own unique product.”You can only find it at Garces’ pizza joint, located in Dixieland. But the delicious pie isn’t the only draw; it’s also the art.

“[The mural] brings in a lot of people who are curious in general, because who doesn’t like good art?” Garces said. “When it comes to business, you want to have something that catches people’s eyes, and the murals do a good job of drawing people’s attention.”

The Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency Mural Passport is the CRA’s new initiative to highlight public art in Dixieland, Downtown and Midtown.

The CRA has commissioned more than 20 murals through its Art Infusion Grant program.

Read more here

New! Downtown Gainesville’s Historic Seagle Building Gets New Life

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Turns out two gators have been standing sentry over the Gainesville hotel that never was. Who knew?

“I’ve been driving and walking past the Seagle building for 58 years, right?” Mayor Harvey Ward said. But it wasn’t until John Fleming, managing partner of Trimark Properties, took Ward on a tour of the 100-year-old Seagle Building that he noticed the two metal gators perched above Gainesville’s first “skyscraper.”

They had been easy to miss.

The Seagle hadn’t been painted in decades, and their visibility was further obscured by a shabby green entrance canopy that had seen better days. After years of neglect, Fleming said, the twin gators were lost amid “the faded paint and the mold.”

The renovation — or reinvention, really — could total about $20 million by the time it’s complete, including private investment, condo association special assessments, and, not to forget, nearly $150,000 in Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency grants.

Read more here

New! Art Meets Earth Day in Kissimmee as Osceola Arts Unveils New ARTisNOW Mural 

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



A new piece of public art was officially unveiled as Osceola Arts, in partnership with the City of Kissimmee’s Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency, hosted an Earth Day ribbon cutting for the latest addition to the city’s ARTisNOW Public Murals collection.

The ceremony took place at Mosaic at Lake Toho, located at 110 Lakeview Drive, where community members and local leaders gathered to mark the completion of the large-scale mural.

Created by Florida-based artist Naomi Haverland, the piece features a surreal, nature-inspired composition centered around a floating fish encased in a wooden barrel form and suspended by chains. Water lilies and cattails emerge from the top of the structure, while an ornate golden key hangs below. The mural’s use of warm greens, golds, and oranges, combined with detailed textures and lighting, reflects themes of balance, transformation, and the connection between nature and human-made spaces.

Installed on the façade of the Mosaic at Lake Toho apartment community, the mural adds to Kissimmee’s growing public art landscape and serves as a visual focal point within the area.

Read more here

Grand Opening for The Amphitheatre at Veterans Memorial Park on Merritt Island

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency, in partnership with the Brevard County Parks and Recreation Department, will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 23, for the recently completed Amphitheater at Veterans Memorial Park.

The event is scheduled from 4:30-6 p.m.

The communitywide celebration will feature the Veterans Memorial Center Color Guard and flag raising, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, remarks by elected officials and local leaders, a performance by the Space Coast Symphony’s Jazz Orchestra — the first musicians to officially take the stage — and light refreshments.

The community is invited and encouraged to attend. Seating is limited, so bringing a lawn chair or blanket is suggested.

The Amphitheatre at Veterans Memorial Park is located at 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island, 32953.

Read more here

Crews Break Ground on Nine-Story Student Housing Complex Worth over $100M

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Construction has begun on a multi-story student housing complex on West Gaines Street that features 804 beds and a plethora of amenities, according to a press release.

Hoar Construction, the general contractor on the $100 million project with Park 7 Group as the developer, said construction is expected to be completed in the fall of 2028.

The Community Redevelopment Agency, overseen by Tallahassee city commissioners and the mayor, signed off on the break.

The multi-story apartment, affectionately named Icon Tallahassee, is expected to have both one-bedroom and five-bedroom layouts. Officials said the complex will also have a club room, study lounges, below-grade parking, bike and scooter storage, and a fitness and yoga studio.

The contractor said Icon Tallahassee is expected to be one of the tallest buildings and will feature a rooftop deck lounge with views of Doak Campbell Stadium.

Read more here

West Riverwalk Construction At Full Steam

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Work is now underway on multiple segments of the West River BUILD Project — also known as the West Riverwalk — bringing to life one of the most transformative projects in the City of Tampa in decades.

The project will add nearly two miles of new scenic riverwalk along the west side of the Hillsborough River, along with three miles of major roadway safety improvements on Platt Street, Rome Avenue, and Columbus Avenue. Upgrades will include fresh pavement, protected bicycle lanes, sidewalk enhancements, better lighting, newly planted tree canopies, and much more. All of these will further Tampa’s lofty Vision Zero goal of eliminating serious crashes.

Once complete, the project will connect several West Tampa neighborhoods to downtown and create a continuous 12.2-mile urban path through the urban core.

The project is supported by a $24 million federal BUILD grant and $10 million from the West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Kathy Castor also announced $250,000 in additional federal funding for the project.

Read more here

Jobs

CRA Director – City of Dania Beach

📍 Location: Dania Beach, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

📊 Department: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

📅 Application Deadline: May 6, 2026

The City of Dania Beach is seeking a CRA Director to lead and manage its Community Redevelopment Agency, guiding redevelopment initiatives and advancing the city’s vision for growth and revitalization.

This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing CRA operations, programs, and projects that enhance economic development and community vitality.

🔎 Job Summary

Under executive direction, this position manages all aspects of the CRA, including planning, implementation, and administration of redevelopment programs and initiatives.

🛠 Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee CRA projects, programs, and daily operations

Develop and implement redevelopment strategies and plans

Manage budgets, contracts, and consultants

Coordinate with city leadership, boards, and community stakeholders

Ensure compliance with applicable laws, policies, and CRA guidelines

Prepare reports, presentations, and board materials

Support economic development and community revitalization efforts

Read more here

CRA Division Manager – Clearwater CRA

📍 Location: Clearwater, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Target Entry Salary: $83,247 – $87,410 DOQ

📊 Department: CRA

📅 Application Deadline: Continuous

The City of Clearwater is seeking a CRA Division Manager (Placemaking and Project Manager) to lead redevelopment programs, projects, and initiatives.

This role is responsible for managing CRA projects, coordinating consultants and stakeholders, overseeing budgets and contracts, and supporting economic development efforts that enhance community vitality.

Ideal candidates have experience in urban planning, redevelopment, or economic development, along with strong project management and communication skills.

Read more here

Community Redevelopment Administrator – Town of Lake Park

📍 Location: Lake Park

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Salary Range: $118,452.72 – $189,524.36

📊 Pay Grade: 170

⚖️ FLSA Status: Exempt

This position is open until filled. First review of applications will take place on March 9, 2026.

The Town of Lake Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is seeking an experienced and strategic Community Redevelopment Administrator to lead redevelopment initiatives and oversee daily CRA operations. This leadership role is responsible for advancing redevelopment projects, managing CRA programs and staff, and implementing initiatives that strengthen the physical, economic, and social vitality of the CRA districts.

The Administrator works closely with the CRA Executive Director and the CRA Board to guide redevelopment strategy, oversee fiscal management, coordinate capital projects, and ensure compliance with Florida’s Community Redevelopment Act and all applicable regulations.

Read more here

Director, Housing & Economic Development – City of North Miami Beach

📍 Location: North Miami Beach, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Starting Salary: $127,216.50 – $182,607.41 Annually

📅 Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The City of North Miami Beach is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Housing & Economic Development to lead initiatives that strengthen the local economy, expand housing opportunities, and support sustainable community growth.

This executive-level position provides leadership and strategic direction for the City’s Housing & Economic Development Department, overseeing programs and initiatives designed to foster business development, improve housing accessibility, and enhance the overall economic vitality of the community. The department works to cultivate a thriving business environment while promoting entrepreneurship, workforce development, and long-term economic sustainability.

Read more here

CRA Manager/Assistant City Manager – City of Crescent City

📍 Location: Crescent City, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Starting Salary: $60,000 Annually

📅 Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The City of Crescent City is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking CRA Manager / Assistant City Manager to lead redevelopment initiatives and help shape the future of the community. This position plays a critical leadership role in coordinating economic redevelopment activities citywide, with a primary focus on the City’s Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA).

Under the direct supervision of the City Manager, this role blends economic development strategy, project management, and executive-level municipal leadership — including assuming full City Manager responsibilities during periods of absence.

Read more here

City Planner - City of Brooksville

Starting Salary: $68,087.07 (Effective October 1, 2025)

The City of Brooksville offers 20 days of PTO in the first year (with rollover), 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays, flexible scheduling (for eligible departments), Florida Retirement System participation, employer-paid health coverage, and up to $5,250 per year in tuition reimbursement.

This professional planning role focuses on land use, zoning, and community development. Responsibilities include research and data analysis, preparing reports and GIS maps, presenting to boards and committees, and supporting comprehensive planning and redevelopment efforts. The position is designated as essential personnel and requires participation in emergency operations and required training.

Candidates should have knowledge of urban planning principles, strong research and communication skills, GIS proficiency, and the ability to manage multiple projects while working collaboratively with staff, officials, and the public.

Read more here

Building Inspector - City of Brooksville

Starting Pay: $60,320 per year (commensurate with experience)

The City of Brooksville offers a competitive benefits package, including 20 days of PTO in the first year (with rollover and increased accrual over time), 12 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays, flexible scheduling for eligible departments, participation in the Florida Retirement System, employer-paid health coverage, and up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursement.

This position performs technical inspections of building construction, alterations, and repairs to ensure compliance with applicable codes and safety standards. Responsibilities include reviewing construction plans, conducting on-site inspections, issuing permits, documenting findings, and working with contractors, architects, and engineers to address violations and ensure projects meet structural and legal requirements.

Candidates should have knowledge of building construction methods, applicable codes and ordinances, and state statutes related to construction and licensing. The role requires the ability to interpret plans, identify violations or hazards, maintain accurate records, enforce regulations professionally and impartially, and build effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and the public.

Read more here

Principal Site Planner – Palm Beach County

Join Palm Beach County’s Planning, Zoning and Building Department as a Planning Division Principal Site Planner, and help guide the future growth of our community.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide leadership and supervision to professional and technical personnel within the Planning Division.

· Oversee project assignments and ensure high-quality performance and results.

· Assist in administering the Planning Commission, an advisory board to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners.

· Apply planning principles and methodology in the formulation of various studies and projects.

· Draft and review correspondence, staff reports, conditions of approval, ordinances, resolutions, and comprehensive plan policies.

· Review and manage Comprehensive Plan and Future Land Use Atlas amendments, and develop recommendations.

· Manage and perform research and data analysis of social, economic, and physical trends, and report results.

· Review and develop presentations on planning topics for public hearings and community meetings.

Position is open until filled.

Read more here

RFPs / RFQs / LOIs

Request for Qualifications for Professional Services CCNA Continuing Contract – Boynton Beach CRA

The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (BBCRA) has released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking experienced firms to provide ongoing architectural, engineering, and related professional services under a continuing contract.

This opportunity covers a wide range of services supporting redevelopment projects, including architectural design, civil and transportation engineering, landscape architecture, surveying, and geotechnical work. Selected firms will assist with projects that enhance public spaces, infrastructure, and affordable housing efforts within the CRA district.

The contract will run for an initial three-year term with potential renewals, and work will be assigned on a project-by-project basis through individual work orders.

Proposals are due by June 16, 2026, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for May 14, 2026.

Read more here

RFP – Development of Vacant Lots in Downtown Lake Worth Beach

The Lake Worth Beach CRA is accepting proposals from qualified developers to acquire, construct, own, and maintain two vacant, CRA-owned parcels located in downtown Lake Worth Beach.

The sites are located at 30 South ‘K’ Street and 126 South ‘J’ Street. Both lots are currently owned by the CRA. The CRA is seeking proposals for immediate residential or mixed-use development at both parcels. Although separate proposals may be submitted for each of the lots, the intent of the RFP is to create a unified vision with similar uses in the CRA District that complement the existing landscape as well as each other. A proposal from one developer, willing to develop both parcels, is preferred. It is the CRA’s intention to competitively select a developer with the proven ability, means, and interest to construct a development or developments, and also to own, maintain, and manage the property once constructed.

Deadline Details:

Proposals must be delivered to the Lake Worth Beach CRA office located at 1121 Lucerne Ave. Lake Worth Beach FL 33460

Due by 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026

Late proposals will not be accepted — no exceptions.

Read more here

MORE FRA RESOURCES

Thank you for supporting Florida redevelopment! Have questions or news to share? fra@flcities.com