Your Weekly FRA Update:

May 21, 2026

FRA Board Strategic Planning meeting in Orlando!

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.

Webinar: CRA Do's and Don'ts: Friday, May 29, 2026

Join us for a practical webinar on the “dos and don’ts” of Florida Community Redevelopment Agencies, with a particular focus on what CRA funds and TIF revenues can—and cannot—be used for under Chapter 163, Part III, Florida Statutes.

Presented by Cliff Shepard, session will also cover recurring legal pitfalls, governance issues, and best practices designed to help CRA board members, staff, attorneys, and consultants avoid costly mistakes and maintain statutory compliance.

FRA members: contact fra@flcities.com for the link!

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.

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

Check out our "Take 5" series - 5 fun and informative questions and answers from the FRA Board of Directors!

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! Historic Sunset Lounge Brings Jazz, Soul, and History to West Palm Beach Community

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The Sunset Lounge in West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest District has reopened after a long-awaited revitalization, marking its 100th year as a cornerstone of jazz, soul, and community pride. The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City of West Palm Beach worked together to preserve the venue’s storied past while creating a world-class cultural hub.

Originally built in the 1920s, the Sunset Lounge rose to fame in the 1940s and 1950s as a premier venue for African American artists barred from mainstream spaces during segregation. Legends like Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong performed here, creating a rich musical legacy still celebrated today.

Read more here

New! Bank to Business Center Project Aims for July Completion

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The former Wachovia bank building in downtown Sebring has a few weeks to go until its renovation into an office center is complete.

The Blackmon family, who is also renovating/restoring Harder Hall, acquired the building at 228 N. Ridgewood Drive in January 2024 from the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency.

“It looks great. At this point, it is a new building,” Robert Blackmon said Monday to the CRA Board. Drywall, all new ducting, new electric and plumbing, all new interior glass, and a new elevator have been installed. The exterior was painted twice.

The CRA Board unanimously approved updates on the original agreement between the CRA and the Blackmon family for the property at 228 N. Ridgewood Drive: the use of the building was changed to “all commercial,” a previously agreed incentive, from the CRA to the Blackmon family, in the amount of $600,000 and a completion date of July 31, 2026.

Read more here

New! ‘This Moment Matters’: Rays Stadium Deal Heads Toward Key City, County Votes

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



After years of negotiations and failed stadium efforts, local leaders and the Tampa Bay Rays say they are now closer than ever to reaching a deal to bring Major League Baseball to Tampa.

City officials, Hillsborough County leaders and Rays executives gathered Friday at Tampa City Hall to promote a newly negotiated non-binding memorandum of understanding for a proposed Rays ballpark and massive mixed-use development project at the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College.

The Hillsborough County Commission could vote on the non-binding agreement as soon as next Wednesday, followed by a Tampa City Council vote a day later. The Community Redevelopment Agency Board and Hillsborough College trustees are also expected to weigh in on portions of the proposal.

Read more here

Keep Martin Beautiful Honors Environmental Leaders at 2026 Stewardship Awards

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



More than 175 community leaders, environmental advocates, educators, business professionals, students and residents gathered April 30 at Willoughby Golf Club for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Awards hosted by Keep Martin Beautiful.

The annual event recognized individuals, businesses, nonprofits and public-sector organizations for contributions related to conservation, environmental education, beautification, sustainability and community improvement efforts throughout Martin County.

According to organizers, the event brought together a broad mix of attendees, including environmental advocates, government representatives, educators, business owners, conservationists, landscapers, nonprofit leaders and families.

“The Environmental Stewardship Awards remind us that environmental progress happens through partnership,” said Jennifer Stull, president of Keep Martin Beautiful. “Every person and organization recognized this evening is helping move our community forward in meaningful ways.”

The Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency received the Community Improvement Award for the Palm City Place & Patio project, which redeveloped an underused site into a public gathering space.

Read more here

The Boynton Beach CRA to Replace the Commercial Seawall at Boynton Harbor Marina

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency will receive $1,145,144 to replace the commercial seawall at Boynton Harbor Marina. City officials said the project is intended to protect surrounding homes and businesses, marina operations, and public access areas from flooding, storm surge, and the ongoing effects of sea-level rise.

The funding was announced at a news conference in Lake Worth Beach attended by local elected officials and city administrators, including Boynton Beach Commissioner Aimee Kelley, Greenacres Mayor Charles “Chuck” Shaw, Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch, and Village of Wellington Manager Jim Barnes.

Read more here

Dixieland’s Alleys Move to Center Stage in New CRA Vision

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Back alleys — long treated as little more than service corridors and shortcut routes — have emerged as a centerpiece of Dixieland’s new redevelopment vision.

A 113-page “Restore the Core” plan presented to the Lakeland Community Redevelopment Agency’s advisory board on May 7 shifts the neighborhood’s focus beyond historic preservation and beautification toward connectivity. It calls for safer crossings, better pedestrian and bike access, free Squeeze shuttle service, activated alleyways, and a street network designed to make it easier to move through Dixieland without relying on a car.

“I can’t leave this meeting without calling out our alleys because they are such a huge asset,” CRA Manager Valerie Vaught told the advisory board. “We’ve got to strengthen these alleys.”

Read more here

Jobs

CRA Manager – City of Haines City

📍 Location: Haines City, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Salary Range: $79,149.41 – $114,632.10 annually

📊 Department: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

📅 Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

The City of Haines City is seeking a CRA Manager to lead redevelopment initiatives and oversee implementation of community redevelopment plans within the City’s CRA districts.

This position plays a key role in advancing redevelopment projects, economic development strategies, property redevelopment efforts, and long-term community revitalization initiatives.

🔎 Job Summary

Under the direction of City Administration, the CRA Manager is responsible for managing redevelopment programs, coordinating projects and consultants, overseeing CRA operations, and supporting implementation of redevelopment strategies throughout the community.

Read more here

New! Economic Development Manager – City of Delray Beach

📍 Location: Delray Beach, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Salary Range: $72,280.00 – $115,606.40

📊 Department: City Manager Office

📅 Application Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern

The City of Delray Beach is seeking an Economic Development Manager to lead and implement business and economic development initiatives focused on downtown revitalization, corridor enhancement, business attraction, retention, and entrepreneurship support.

This position works closely with the CRA, Downtown Development Authority, Chamber of Commerce, developers, business owners, and regional partners to advance the City’s economic development goals and special projects.

🔎 Job Summary

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, this role develops and executes economic development strategies and programs with a strong focus on business growth, redevelopment, workforce development, marketing, and community partnerships.

🛠 Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies

• Coordinate with the CRA, DDA, Chamber of Commerce, and regional agencies

• Assist developers and businesses with zoning, incentives, redevelopment, and regulatory processes

• Prepare reports, presentations, databases, and economic development materials

• Manage economic development programs and special projects

• Support entrepreneurs, startups, and small business development initiatives

• Respond to inquiries regarding economic trends, development opportunities, and market data

• Create marketing strategies to attract targeted industries and investment

• Prepare developer and tenant recruitment packages and Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

• Serve as a liaison between the City, businesses, developers, and community stakeholders

Read more here

CRA Specialist – Community Redevelopment Agency Division

📍 Location: Clearwater, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Target Entry Salary: $62,120 – $65,226 DOQ

📊 Department: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

📅 Application Deadline: Continuous

The City of Clearwater is seeking a CRA Specialist to provide administrative, project, and redevelopment support for the Community Redevelopment Agency Division.

This role assists with redevelopment initiatives, economic development programs, community outreach, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement to help support vibrant and sustainable redevelopment efforts throughout the city.

🔎 Job Summary

Under administrative direction, the CRA Specialist supports the research, development, and implementation of redevelopment plans, programs, projects, and departmental initiatives.

🛠 Key Responsibilities

• Support redevelopment and economic development projects and programs

• Assist with CRA and Downtown Development Board initiatives

• Conduct research, benchmarking, and field evaluations

• Prepare reports, presentations, surveys, proposals, and collateral materials

• Coordinate meetings, conferences, and community events

• Assist with grant program administration and customer service inquiries

• Support departmental budgeting, financial tracking, and administrative systems

• Collaborate with city departments, agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders

• Participate in public meetings and outreach initiatives

Read more here

City Building Official Planner Position – Bradenton Beach

📍 Location: Bradenton Beach, FL

💼 Position Type: Full-Time

💰 Salary: Commensurate with experience

📊 Department: Building / Code Enforcement

📅 Application Deadline: Open until filled

The City of Bradenton Beach (pop. 1,505) is seeking a Building Official to lead its building department and oversee permitting, inspections, and code enforcement activities.

This role serves as a department head, managing staff and ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal construction and development regulations.

🔎 Job Summary

Under administrative direction, this position performs technical, supervisory, and administrative work related to plans review, inspections, and enforcement to ensure compliance with building, zoning, and land development codes.

🛠 Key Responsibilities

Oversee department staff, including Code Enforcement, Permit Clerk, and Permit Technician

Review construction plans and specifications for code compliance

Conduct and supervise inspections of construction projects

Enforce building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and land development codes

Ensure compliance with floodplain regulations, FEMA requirements, and accessibility/energy codes

Manage permitting, licensing, and inspection processes

Supervise the city’s code enforcement program

Communicate with contractors, developers, and the public

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

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