Your Weekly FRA Update:

March 16, 2023

MEMBER NEWS

New! USF-Developed App Creates Augmented Reality Experience for Downtown Clearwater Murals

The University of South Florida’s Access 3D Lab and Advanced Visualization Center are helping bring four murals to life in downtown Clearwater through a new partnership with the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency. A first of its kind for the Tampa Bay region, the ARTours Clearwater mobile application takes users on an interactive tour throughout the city using virtual and augmented realities. Through the app, users can take selfies in the augmented reality space and experience art in a fresh, new way.

The four murals are part of the Downtown Clearwater Mural Program, which aims to enliven public spaces and highlight downtown’s emerging arts scene.

More info here

New! Nearly a Century Old, Tampa Theatre Hoping for $42 Million Restoration

Jill Witecki remembers the first time she saw a movie at the Tampa Theatre. Now, it’s her job to help others fall in love with the theater, which was named by the Motion Picture Association in 2013 as one of the top movie theaters in the world.

The theater hopes to raise $42 million in the coming months to allow for a full restoration of the theater before its centennial celebration in 2026. The theater is as historic as it is unique. It was designed by architect John Eberson and built by Paramount Pictures for the burgeoning film industry of the 1920s. The Tampa Theatre opened on Oct. 15, 1926. It has hosted thousands of screenings and shows since. The theater is known as an “Eberson atmospheric” since it features a realistic night sky with twinkling stars above the auditorium. Ornate sculptures and plasterwork decorate the walls and ceilings.

More info here

New! Orlando Launches “Enhanced” Downtown Ambassador Program to Focus on Persons Experiencing Homelessness

The City of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board/Community Redevelopment Agency has just announced a new “enhanced” Downtown Ambassador Program that includes new training for working with people experiencing homelessness.

The Downtown Ambassador Program was launched in 2018 to provide on-the-street service for visitors and residents between the hours of 7 a.m.-11 p.m., in part to help visitors navigate the downtown core during larger events but also to help connect “… the most vulnerable individuals to critical social services and curbing aggressive panhandling” – read, “working with homeless people.”

More info here

North Miami CRA to Provide North Miami Residents Up to $5000 for Rental Assistance

Residential Tenants Affected by the Recent Rent Increases May be Eligible for Thousands in Financial Aid

To assist North Miami residents struggling to make timely rent payments due to rent increases, the North Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (NMCRA) is accepting applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Read more here

More FRA Member News to Use

Clermont’s BIG Question: “What To Do With The 8th Street Pier?”

The Museum Of Contemporary Art, North Miami Announces Artists Selected For 2023 ‘Art On The Plaza’ Series

Nearly a Century Old, Tampa Theatre Hoping for $42 Million Restoration

City Contributing $250K to $1M Bowman Center Redevelopment Project

Click here to see all news articles.

RFPs and RFQs

New! RFP: Triangle Project Development Partner – City of Homestead

In accordance with Section 163.380(3)(A), Florida Statutes, the City of Homestead is announcing its intent to enter into a long-term ground lease for an approximately 2.06-acre parcel located at SW 4th Street and Railroad Avenue for the development of mixed-use transit-oriented project.

Deadline: May 12, 2023 no later than 2:00 p.m.

RFP info here

New! COC Disposal of Real Estate and Development of a Mixed-Use Hotel at 603 Brevard Avenue

The Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) owns the property at 603 Brevard Avenue and, in accordance with the CRA’s Redevelopment Plan, seeks to redevelop the property as an upper midscale, mixed-use, 100+ room hotel project with structured hotel and public parking (100 free [unless metered by City] public spaces some of which will be for electric vehicles) within the project.

Deadline: Apr. 18, 2023 no later than 3:00 p.m.

RFP info here

RFP for Vision, Master Plan and Update to the Redevelopment Plan

It is the intent of the City of Crescent City, Florida, and its CRA Board (Also referenced herein as “The Board”) to select a professional company, consultant teams and/or an individual contractor to create a Vision, Master Plan and Update to the Redevelopment Plan for Crescent City’s downtown and the US17 corridor.

Deadline: April 4, 2023 no later than 4:00 p.m.

RFP info here

RFP for Disposal of Real Estate and Development of Mixed Use Hotel

COC Disposal of Real Estate and Development of a Mixed-Use Hotel at 603 Brevard Avenue

The Cocoa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) owns the property at 603 Brevard Avenue and, in accordance with the CRA’s Redevelopment Plan, seeks to redevelop the property as an upper midscale (AAA “three-diamond” minimum), mixed-use, 100+ room hotel project with structured hotel and public parking (100 free [unless metered by City] public spaces some of which will be for electric vehicles) within the project.

Deadline: Responses are due by 3:00 pm, April 18, 2023

RFP info here

JOBS

New! Job: Economic Development Manager - City of Deltona

Prepares, solicits, and counsels businesses to locate in the City. Confers with present business and commercial land owners for future development. Develops strategies to fulfill city needs to assist in business development within the City and work closely with Team Volusia to achieve new investments in our City. Works with agencies of workforce development to develop a skilled workforce with educational emphasis on school district and colleges/universities. Conducts research on businesses that are expanding and solicits businesses to locate in the City. Confers with business services providers to assist in business development and improvement.

The position will close on April 3.

Job info here

New! Division Director – Community Redevelopment Agency – Collier County Board of County Commissioners

Collier County Board of County Commissioners is seeking an individual for the position of Director – Community Redevelopment Agency to administer, plan, direct, and oversees all matters pertaining to Collier County’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the two Community Redevelopment Areas (Bayshore Gateway Triangle and Immokalee) including budget, personnel, and outside consultants; develop and implement programs to enhance, revitalize, redevelop, and strengthen the County’s designated redevelopment areas.

The position will close on March 23.

Job info here

Job: Economic Development Director – City of New Port Richey

The City of New Port Richey is seeking an experienced economic development professional to serve in a key role on the City’s Leadership Team. New Port Richey is located in Florida’s Central Gulf Coast, approximately thirty miles northwest of Tampa. The Gulf of Mexico coastline borders the west side and the Pithlachascotee River runs through the city. The City has a total area of 4.6 square miles and has approximately 17,000 residents, which makes the City the second largest in the County.

The City has a traditional downtown with interesting businesses, a thriving Community Development Authority and a Main Street Program. The City operates under the Council-Manager form of government and the successful candidate will work closely with the City Manager to assist the City’s existing businesses with retention and growth, recruitment of new businesses, and neighborhood reinvestment strategies.

The position will close on March 24, 2023. EOE/DFWP.

Job info here