Your Weekly FRA Update:

February 12, 2026

The next FRA Academy Course is "Budgeting, Funding, & Reporting" on March 6 in Orlando, so sign up today!


This is a core course and includes:

- Budgeting theory and principles (revenues, best practices, types)

- Increment revenue financing

- Grants and outside resources (CDBG, HOME, SHIP, Ezones, non-profits)

- Cost sharing

- Developer extractions (impacts, infrastructure, payment in lieu of taxes)

- Public-private partnerships

- CRA record management/reporting requirements

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

🏆 2025 FRA Award Winner Showcase: Out of the Box – Small City


City of Palmetto Community Redevelopment Agency – Palmetto Bay Oyster Preserve

The Palmetto Bay Aquatic Habitat and Water Quality Restoration project is a 22.81-acre site within the boundaries of the Palmetto CRA. The river was named the Oyster River in the 1880s due to the massive amounts of oysters in the water. Over-harvesting led to the depletion of oysters and a significant reduction in aquatic habitat and bird populations, leading to the name being changed to the Manatee River. Water quality cleanup efforts can be difficult, but they offer a tremendous opportunity to transform environmentally impacted waterways into end uses that can benefit the entire community in a holistic manner.

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!

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! Park Dedication Opens a New Era for Lealman

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The long-gestating renovation of Lealman’s 38-acre Raymond H. Neri Park was unveiled Saturday, a $10 million investment by Pinellas County government in the future of the unincorporated and historically underserved district.

The ribbon-cutting was followed by the fourth annual Honey & Arts Festival, on the massive athletic fields (re-planted with new grass) near the new playgrounds, adult fitness equipment, dog parks and improved trails. There are picnic shelters and public restrooms.

The work, paid for with Penny For Pinellas dollars, along with state and federal funding, includes improved access to the former Joe’s Creek Greenway Park, behind the Lealman Exchange community services building at 175 45th Street N. in St. Petersburg.

During his morning speech, before the ribbon-cutting, Eggers thanked the many organizations – including the Community Redevelopment Association, the Lealman Community Association and others – that contributed to the revitalization project, which began in 2024.

Read more here

New! Council Unanimously Approves First Phase of Riverside Park Project

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The Temple Terrace City Council unanimously approved Phase One of the Riverside Park project on Feb. 3, authorizing Halff and Associates to begin permitting and contract bidding.

Phase One is estimated to cost $3.44 million, including nearly $950,000 in contingencies. The city has $3.8 million available, with about $3 million coming from its unassigned fund balance and $800,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds allocated through the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).

The first phase will include a riverwalk boardwalk, small parking lot, upgraded restrooms and a concrete path around Springdale Pond. City leaders also hope to incorporate an observation tower along the riverfront.

Future phases could add a fishing pier, kayak launch and expanded open lawn space as part of the broader downtown revitalization effort.

Read more here

New! North Miami CRA Approves $250K Grant to Build Black-Led Nonprofit Birthing Center

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Last week, the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved a $250,000 Business Attraction Grant to support the creation of a community-centered maternal health and wellness facility, helping address South Florida’s growing shortage of maternity care.

The vision belongs to Olamina Properties LLC, a joint venture between Black-led nonprofits Southern Birth Justice Network (SBJN) and Magnolia Birth House. The two organizations had already been searching for a home where they could bring their plan to fruition for months when The Miami Times first reported on the matter in July 2025. A failed attempt to bring the facility to Miami Gardens forced organizers to reassess, eventually landing them in North Miami with renewed momentum.

Now backed by the CRA grant, the Olamina team is on track to transform a former pet shop in the city into what organizers say will be the first nonprofit birthing center in South Florida offering culturally competent, community-based care.

Read more here

This ‘Signature Project’ Could Transform Downtown Dunedin

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



A proposed mixed-use development at the former Ocean Optics site on Main Street in Dunedin won unanimous approval from the Local Planning Agency on Jan. 14, drawing praise from residents and city officials who called it transformational for downtown.

Main Street Exchange, planned for the corner of Main Street and Douglas Avenue, would feature an 89-room boutique hotel, marketplace, theater, food hall, restaurants, retail spaces and a parking garage. The three- and four-story development at 830 Douglas Ave. also includes an off-site parking garage at the former Arts Incubator site.

Economic development director Bob Ironsmith called it “another signature project” for downtown, comparing it to recent developments like Victoria Place and The Artisan.

“This one kind of checks all the right boxes for us,” Ironsmith said. “A hotel is very attractive in a downtown environment — it’s what we call a captive market. Those 89 hotel guests are going to the restaurants, the cafes, the stores. They actually help preserve the small-town feel.”

The food hall with culinary kiosks offers “a different experience, which really attracts a lot of people,” he added.

Read more here

City of Cocoa Breaks Ground on Workforce Housing Development in Michael C. Blake Subdivision

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The City of Cocoa, in partnership with Lennar Homes, officially broke ground on January 16, on a new workforce housing development in the Michael C. Blake Subdivision.

The project follows the approval of a development agreement with Lennar Homes to construct 32 workforce housing units, expanding access to affordable homeownership opportunities for very low, low, and moderate-income professionals.

The development is designed to serve essential members of the community, including local firefighters, police officers, nurses, and teachers, helping ensure that those who serve Cocoa every day can live close to where they work.

City leaders, Council, representatives from Lennar Homes, and members of the community gathered to celebrate the milestone and recognize the collaborative effort behind the project.

“Homeownership is the foundation of the American Dream, and Lennar is committed to building attainable homes for more families through innovative collaborations like this,” said Brad Miller, Division Manager for Lennar.

Read more here

Fort Myers Looks to Brighten Space Beneath Caloosahatchee Bridge

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Fort Myers city leaders are considering a proposal to install new lighting and design enhancements underneath the Caloosahatchee Bridge.

The goal is to transform the underpass into a safer, more welcoming area for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project is being advanced by the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency.

Officials said the Caloosahatchee Bridge also serves as a prominent gateway into downtown and a key part of the city’s waterfront identity.

According to CRA staff, the proposed lighting improvements would brighten the space beneath the bridge, improve visibility and strengthen connections for pedestrians.

CRA staff have been working closely with the Florida Department of Transportation to move the project forward.

Funding for the project would come from the Downtown Trust Fund.

Read more here

Jobs

New! Senior Planner – City of Delray Beach

Salary

$65,540.80 – $104,852.80 Annually

Location

Delray Beach – FL 33444, FL

Closing Date

2/24/2026 4:00 PM Eastern

The following duties are normal for this position.

• Research, collect, analyze, and summarize data (land development regulations, development patterns, etc.) in written and verbal presentations for planning projects and studies.
• Provide technical review and analysis of planning and land use activities in areas of zoning, site planning, landscaping, architecture, historic preservation, neighborhood planning, comprehensive planning, or similar areas of expertise, such as form-based code.
• Review, analyze, and manage development proposals, including rezoning, conditional uses, new site plans, site plan modifications, land development regulation amendments, comprehensive plan amendments, variances, and subdivision plats through various municipal procedures.
• Make presentations before formal boards and committees and be responsible for coordination of all activities of such a board or committee.
• Review building permits for compliance with final certified plans.
• Respond to public requests for information regarding development or planning and zoning issues.
• Assist property owners with compliance to the City’s Land Development Regulations and, if applicable, adopted design guidelines and related standards.
• Conduct meetings with applicants, development professionals, and/or citizen groups as situation warrants.
• Conduct site visits and perform field surveys of property to inventory existing use and conditions.
• Foster positive employee relations and employee morale on a City-wide basis.

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

Assistant Director – Main Street DeLand Association

SALARY & BENEFITS

$42,000 – $50,000

Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays

Health & Retirement Benefits

DESCRIPTION

The award-winning MainStreet DeLand Association is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as its Assistant Director with a strong focus on communications and organizational development. The Assistant Director works collaboratively with staff and volunteers to fulfill our mission to support and enhance the continuing economic development of downtown DeLand. This position works directly with the Executive Director to operate in a highly creative environment, utilizing administrative and project management skills which are key in the Main Street Four-Point Approach and the MainStreet DeLand mission and purpose. This is a full-time, in-office and in-field senior-level position reporting directly to the Executive Director. The Assistant Director is the second in command of the agency, with the anticipation of fulfilling the Executive Director position in any event which would prevent the Executive Director from fulfilling standard duties and responsibilities.

Read more here

Executive Director – Boynton Beach CRA

Location: Boynton Beach, Florida

Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) provides management services for the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). RMA oversees CRA operations, redevelopment planning, financial management, and implementation of district revitalization strategy.

The Executive Director will manage a team of Community Redevelopment Agency employees and will report to both the RMA Principal Owner in Charge and the Boynton Beach CRA Board.

Salary will be based on experience and qualifications.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). This includes fiscal oversight, capital project administration, redevelopment program management, property acquisition/disposition, economic development initiatives, and activities intended to improve the physical, economic, and social character of the CRA districts. The Director ensures compliance with the CRA Redevelopment Plan, Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III, and all applicable local, county, state, and federal regulations.

Read more here

Haines City - CRA Manager

·    Community Redevelopment Agency

·    Haines City, FL, USA

·    $79,149.41- $114,632.10 per year

The City of Haines City is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, creed, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. The City of Haines City is a Drug-Free Workplace. Applicants who complete the initial screening process will be required to complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical. Police Department applicants will also be required to take a Polygraph Examination. All information provided by an applicant will be verified for truthfulness and accuracy if a conditional offer of employment is made. Applications and other submitted documents are considered public records.

Position open until filled.

Read more here

City of Palatka – CRA Coordinator

CRA Coordinator; City of Palatka, FL

Salary range: $55,468 to $81,900

Open until filled

Position Summary Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The CRA Coordinator is responsible for administrative work in administering the economic renewal and redevelopment of CRA District in Palatka. The person is responsible for analyzing, synthesizing, and developing revitalization strategies and recommendations in consultation with the appropriate official and advisory bodies and coordinating their implementation to achieve project goals as defined and determined by the CRA Board. This position reports to the City Manager or their designee.

The purpose of the CRA revitalization effort is to develop and implement a strategy for economic development and historic preservation in the CRA business district. There are four general work elements that guide this approach to CRA revitalization.

Read more here

Assistant Director of Community Development Services – City of Wilton Manors

The Assistant Director of Community Development Services supports the strategic direction, leadership, and daily operations of the City of Wilton Manors’ Community Development Services Department. This position assists in overseeing planning and zoning, permitting, building and economic development. The Assistant Director plays a key role in implementing department policies, coordinating interdepartmental projects, managing personnel, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Working closely with the Director, this position helps guide sustainable growth and community enhancement in alignment with City goals. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking leader with strong technical expertise and the ability to foster collaboration among staff, developers, residents, and other stakeholders. Reports to the Community Development Services Director.

Read more here

RFPs / RFQs / LOIs

Notice Of Disposal of Property In A Community Redevelopment Area

Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 163.380(3)(a), Florida Statutes, that the City of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (“CRA”) is the owner of and intends to dispose of an interest through a long term lease or potential sale in 3 contiguous parcels located at 204, 220 and 230 N Krome Avenue, Homestead, Florida, 33030 respectively (collectively, the “Properties”).

The Properties provide 174 feet of frontage on N Krome Avenue and are improved with buildings of the following respective sizes:

Folio 10-7813-016-0040  204 N Krome Avenue – 10,500 SF

Folio 10-7813-016-0030  220 N Krome Avenue – 3,213 SF

Folio 10-7813-016-0020  230 N Krome Avenue – 5,685 SF

Any party interested in acquiring an interest in the properties, whether through long-term lease or potential sale in the Properties, or portion thereof, for purposes of developing a restaurant, bar, entertainment, or related commercial downtown use is hereby notified that proposals to acquire the Properties must be made and submitted directly to: Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

Read more here

Call for Artists – Jax Beach

The Jacksonville Beach Public Art Advisory Committee is seeking local Beaches-area artists to create six beach-inspired murals on new dumpster enclosures along 6th–10th Avenues South. Selected artists will receive $4,000 each to design and paint vibrant, beach-life-themed artwork. Applications are due February 13, 2026, by 3:00 PM.

Read more here

MORE FRA RESOURCES

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