Your Weekly FRA Update:

December 4, 2025

Save the date for the Florida Redevelopment Association for the 2026 Annual FRA Conference in Charlotte Harbor, Florida from October 20-23 at the Sunseeker Resort. The conference will feature invited redevelopment speakers and panelists sharing best practices, reviewing legislation impacting CRAs in Florida, and networking opportunities to meet other redevelopment professionals. 

The FRA Annual Conference is the perfect event for elected officials, agency or government staff, redevelopment consultants, and vendors. We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Charlotte Harbor in October 2026!

(2025 FRA photos, awards, and more are here!)

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! Renaissance Theatre Co. Finds Temporary Home in Downtown Orlando

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The Renaissance Theatre Co. has found a temporary new home just in time for the holidays — and it’s a familiar space to fans of performing arts in Orlando.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was revealed that the City of Orlando has granted the Ren a temporary lease running through the end of March to take over the vacant theater facility at 54 W. Church St. in downtown Orlando. This two-theater complex is a familiar spot for local theater fans as it was briefly the home of Fringe ArtSpace and before that, for many years, Mad Cow Theatre.

“The swift decision by the city and its Community Redevelopment Agency to support the arts community by helping us find a temporary home says a lot about our local government’s commitment to culture in Orlando. Though this type of programming isn’t necessarily what we normally do or want to do for the long haul, this will allow us time not only to get through the permitting process but also to plan ahead into 2026 and beyond,” Ren co-founder and artistic director Donald Rupe said in a press statement.

Read more here

New! Underground Utility Upgrade Moves Forward Near Cocogate Redevelopment

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



The City of Margate is preparing to advance a major infrastructure upgrade along North State Road 7 as part of a broader effort to support redevelopment and modernize a key commercial corridor. An Interlocal Agreement between the City and the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency (MCRA) authorizes the MCRA to fund the undergrounding of overhead utility lines bordering the Cocogate Plaza redevelopment site. The agreement outlines a maximum contribution of $773,000 to extend an existing utility undergrounding project northward to the Cocogate property line.

Cocogate Plaza, located at 1308–1350 N. State Road 7, is owned by Cocogate Partners Ltd. and is slated for complete transformation. Working with Amera Properties, the developer plans an extensive mixed-use redevelopment that includes an eight-story residential building with 287 units, a community pool, site amenities, and two new buildings designated for retail use. The underground utility extension is intended to support the visual and functional upgrades surrounding this private investment, reinforcing long-term redevelopment goals for the State Road 7 corridor. According to the City’s materials, the current undergrounding project ends at the southeast corner of Coconut Creek Parkway, and the new extension covers an additional 880 linear feet to the northeast corner of the Cocogate site.

Read more here

New! Tampa’s Sanchez y Haya Building Nears Completion of an $18.5 Million Restoration Effort

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Tampa’s historic Sanchez y Haya building is receiving a substantial facelift, blending millions in redevelopment funding with community fervor. The East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is leading the charge on this $18.5 million restoration, with the aim to rejuvenate the 115-year-old structure that has witnessed decades of decay. According to an announcement on Tampa’s official government website, the project has finally reached its final stages.

A celebratory groundbreaking ceremony was held with CRA Board Members Charlie Miranda, Guido Maniscalco, and Naya Young in attendance, alongside U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (D–Tampa) and leaders from the local community. This optimism follows the painstaking work by the Newman family, whose historic ties to Ybor City through the J.C. Newman Cigar Co., are, well-defined. “My family and I are tremendously grateful for the City of Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency for supporting our project,” Drew Newman stated. “It is a privilege for us to preserve this piece of Tampa’s history so that it can stand and serve our community for another 115 years.”

Read more here

New Marine Science Center Coming To Deerfield Beach

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



A new marine science center is coming to the Intracoastal in Deerfield Beach, backed by a partnership between the Museum of Discovery and Science and the Deerfield Beach Community Redevelopment Agency.

The 10,000-square-foot center is planned for Sullivan Park, where it will anchor the next phase of the city’s ongoing push to remake the Cove area as a family-friendly, eco-tourism destination. The facility will be built around a “Sawgrass to Seagrass” theme, tying together South Florida’s inland wetlands and coastal waters in one continuous story for visitors.

The “Sawgrass to Seagrass” concept will be at the heart of the new center. Plans call for hands-on exhibits and activities that walk visitors through how wetlands and seagrass meadows support water quality, wildlife habitat and climate resilience. The goal, the partners say, is not only to explain those systems but also to give families practical tools for conservation and everyday environmental stewardship.

As part of that plan, the DBCRA has acquired the former Deerfield Beach Chamber of Commerce building at Sullivan Park. That structure will be converted into the new science center, giving the project a prominent waterfront footprint and, city leaders hope, further solidifying Deerfield Beach’s identity as a nautical destination.

Read more here

Bank of America Building Plans Being Finalized

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



While the former Bank of America Building on South Ridgewood Drive in Sebring sits vacant, plans are being finalized for a full renovation and a new purpose for the structure.

The building’s second floor will serve as the offices for Marmer Construction while the ground floor will house the Sebring Hall of Fame Race Museum along with the Sebring Historical Society.

Community Redevelopment Agency Board Chairman David Leidel said Friday the CRA is getting pretty close to solidifying an agreement with Marmer Construction.

The CRA paid $1.2 million in June 2024 to acquire the former bank property at 231 S. Ridgewood Drive. The structure is about 33,000 square feet.

“The city has approved the disposition of the building to Marmer Construction and the CRA is currently working on its incentive agreement and getting down to the details so they are close to finalizing it,” he said.

Read more here

Boca CRA Approves Camino Square Phase 2

CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks



Boca Raton’s Community Redevelopment Agency has approved a revised Camino Square Phase 2 plan that trades some apartments for more retail space and adds new requirements aimed at traffic and pedestrian safety along West Camino Real.

The CRA board voted 5–0 on Monday, November 17, to amend Individual Development Approval CRP-16-02R2 for the western 4.54 acres of the Camino Square site at 171 West Camino Real. The property is part of a 9.13-acre downtown redevelopment area just west of the railroad tracks.

Senior planner Susan Lesser told the board the new plan responds directly to concerns raised when the case was continued in October. The applicant has cut the residential count from 394 to 374 units and almost tripled the retail commitment from 8,632 square feet to 23,368 square feet, all within two eight-story buildings with internal structured parking.

“The revised application now requests authorization to construct 374 residential units… and 23,368 square feet of retail high,” Lesser said, noting the mix now includes about 5,805 square feet of restaurant space, 2,000 square feet of fast food, and 15,563 square feet of general retail.

Read more here

Jobs

New! City of Largo – Economic Development Manager

Closing: Continuous

Salary: $74,318 – 127,816 USD Annually

Job Summary:

This is responsible professional and managerial work related to the development and implementation of economic development plans, programs and services, annexation program, and administration of the City’s two Community Redevelopment Districts. Work requires considerable independent judgment following established guidelines, codes, rules, and policies. The work is performed under the general direction of the Community Development Assistant Director.

Read more here

New! 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

New! 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

New! City of Lynn Haven – City Manager

Company Description

The City of Lynn Haven, Florida, is a thriving and fast-growing community located in the heart of Bay County along the beautiful Emerald Coast. With a population of approximately 20,000 residents, Lynn Haven is recognized for its strong sense of community, family-friendly atmosphere, and commitment to excellence in public service. The City provides a full range of municipal services—including public safety, utilities, parks and recreation, public works, and community development—while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation. Guided by a Commission–Manager form of government, Lynn Haven is dedicated to preserving its rich history, supporting sustainable growth, and ensuring a high quality of life for all who live, work, and visit here.

General Description:

The City Manager is appointed by and reports to the City Commission, and is the chief administrative officer as defined by the city’s charter, responsible for the day-to-day operations and its workforce. The City Manager provides leadership, direction, and effective decision-making for the administration and operation of each department within the City. The City Manager develops city policies and carries out policies established by ordinances, resolutions, and Commission directives. The City Manager acts as a bridge between the elected officials (i.e., the City Commission) and the community, ensuring transparent and effective operations.

Deadline: 12/31/25

Read more here

Housing/Community Development Specialist – Monitoring and Compliance – Broward County

Salary

$60,837.95 – $97,098.92 Annually

Location

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Closing Date

12/5/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

This position requires a candidate with thorough experience and knowledge in the compliance and monitoring of affordable housing developments, projects and activities funded by various programs which may include tax credits, GAP financing, federal, state and local government (e.g. HFA, CDBG HOME, and SHIP). Strong candidates will have experience with income certification, rent and utility allowance, property standards, and physical inspections.

General Description

Professional, consultative, and promotional work assisting in the implementation of various community development programs.

Works under general supervision, independently developing work methods and sequences.

Read more here

Redevelopment Real Estate Manager – Dania Beach CRA

Salary

$94,587.26 – $138,311.93 Annually

Closing Date

12/31/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

The City of Dania Beach is committed to employing a talented and diverse workforce. We are currently seeking a Redevelopment Real Estate Manager. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Redevelopment Real Estate Manager develops and executes business attraction/retention strategies and marketing of the City/CRA as a desirable business destination. The ideal candidate should be an outside of the box thinker, a visionary leader, and business professional. 

Read more here

Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) and Economic Development Coordinator – Pinellas County

Location: Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th Street N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714

Starting salary expected to be within $71,115 – $92,435.20, based on experience

Schedule: Generally 8 to 5, Monday through Friday, occasional meetings or events on evenings and weekends. This is not remote work, but can accommodate remote work for a day or partial day if it makes sense depending on outside meetings scheduled or other reason.

Do you want to make a real impact in a community? As the CRA Coordinator, you will lead the revitalization of the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) by attracting new investment and supporting existing businesses and business expansion. This role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a community by focusing on economic development and community redevelopment. You will serve as a primary point of contact for residents, business owners, and local partners, turning their input into actionable, community-focused projects.

This is a critical role within the Lealman Community Redevelopment Area (CRA), reporting directly to the Community Coordinator.

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

MORE FRA RESOURCES

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