Your Weekly FRA Update:

September 11, 2025

Special notes:

1. There are only a few exhibitor booths left - don't wait to secure your booth space.
2. Room rates increase on September 30.
3. Room availability at the Hilton is now limited - book now and visit here to see other hotels in the area.

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!

New! Panama City Makes Moves Toward Preservation of Historic Downtown School Building

CRAs transform communities #redevelopmentworks



With the old Panama Grammar School up for sale, local officials are thinking of how to pitch into the effort to preserve the structure.

The building at 101 E. Seventh St., Panama City, is an ornate piece of old-Florida architecture. Many old-timers have sentimental attachments to the building, some having even attended school there themselves.

The building was constructed in 1914 and operated as a school until 1965. It was purchased by the First Presbyterian Church, which used the school for a variety of activities.

After Hurricane Michael devastated the area in 2018, the church had to make some tough choices. The church put the old school up for sale in 2019 as it focused on rebuilding its primary facilities.

Read more here

New! Apopka Relaunches Renovation Aid Program for Homeowners

CRAs transform communities #redevelopmentworks



In Apopka, the Community Redevelopment Agency, also known as the CRA, is relaunching a program that helps homeowners with much-needed repairs and upgrades. The agency is putting nearly a million dollars into the effort, all to strengthen neighborhoods and revitalize communities.

Apopka CRA’s Residential Renovation Assistance Program offers eligible homeowners up to $30,000 to help improve their properties.

Antranette Forbes, with the City of Apopka, says for many, that could mean big upgrades.

“Anything from new roofs, to doors, to windows, landscaping, fencing, ADA, driveways,” Forbes said.

The CRA has $900,000 available for owner-occupied homes, duplexes, and townhomes inside the CRA district. The initiative is part of a long-term plan to stabilize neighborhoods and boost property values.

Read more here

New! ‘People’s Bar-B-Que’ Revival Fires Up in Overtown

CRAs transform communities #redevelopmentworks



Overtown may soon again be sizzling with the smell of smoked ribs and soul food staples as the historic People’s Bar-B-Que prepares for a long-awaited revival.

The Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) has opened a request for proposals (RFP) to lease and operate the historic restaurant site at 350 NW 8th St., reviving a cultural landmark that has been shuttered for years but never forgotten. 

The property, located along Interstate 95 at the main off-ramp into the neighborhood, has deep roots in Miami’s Black history. For decades, People’s Bar-B-Que served pork, chicken, beef, souse, and sides to generations of Overtown families and visitors. 

Read more here

The Source Adds Two New Buses to Dignity Fleet

CRAs transform communities #redevelopmentworks



Thanks to the funding provided in a public/private partnership between the City of Orlando’s Community Redevelopment Agency, and The Christian Service Center for the Homeless in Orlando, The Source in has brought two more Dignity Buses in its fleet to fruition.

The Source is calling the Orlando buses Nos. 6 and 7, while Orlando has named them both 407 Connect, a nod to the Orlando area code—a symbol of connection, compassion, and care.



The first three Dignity Buses are currently operating in Vero Beach for the 30-year-old non-profit that services the poor and homeless in Indian River County.

Read more here

Overtown’s New $175M Bond Fuels Affordable Housing and Cultural Revival

• CRAs preserve and showcase the area’s history and cultural heritage

#redevelopmentworks



In the heart of Miami, where Overtown’s rich cultural legacy meets the pulse of a growing city, a new era is unfolding. It’s a renaissance aimed at bridging the divide created long ago by I-95, restoring this historic Black neighborhood to its former glory.

On Aug. 28, 2025, the Southeast Overtown/Park West Community Redevelopment Agency (SEOPW CRA) officially closed on a $175 million municipal bond, marking a historic moment for the community. Approved by the City of Miami in April and the Miami-Dade County Commission in July, the bond will finance an ambitious portfolio of projects, including affordable housing, infrastructure, cultural spaces and public amenities.

Read more here

Avon Park CRA OKs Mall Extension

CRAs transform streetscapes and improve communities

#redevelopmentworks



Avon Park’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board unanimously approved an approximately 490-foot extension to The Mall’s pathway at its meeting last week.

This extension would connect the pathway in the area of Donaldson Park and City Hall between Verona Avenue and Delaney Avenue.

Currently, the pathway roughly stretches from the Avon Park Community Center to Bill Owens Auto Repair or around 0.5 mile.

This project is part of the CRA’s efforts to beautify downtown Avon Park and bridge a “critical gap” in the area’s “pedestrian network” while supporting future tourism and events.

Read more here

Jobs

Planner (Affordable Housing) Tier 3 – Hillsborough County

Planner (Affordable Housing) Tier 3

Tampa, FL, United States

Salary: Min $36.11 -Mid $49.67 – Max $63.23

Job Overview

Researches and analyzes information to write reports supporting the development, evaluation, monitoring and implementation of comprehensive studies, plans, programs, and land development regulations. Apply Before10/20/2025, 11:59 PM

Read more here

Assistant Director of Community Development – City of Newberry

The Assistant Director of Community Development serves as a key leader in guiding the city’s growth, revitalization, preservation and strategic mission initiatives. This position supports the Director in overseeing planning, zoning, code enforcement, and building and permitting, ensuring that development aligns with the community’s vision and strategic goals.

The role requires a blend of technical expertise, policy knowledge, and relationship-building skills to collaborate with elected officials, developers, residents, and regional partners. By fostering sustainable development practices and promoting economic vitality, the Assistant Director plays a critical role in shaping a vibrant, well-planned community for current and future generations. Supervision of staff to include training and skill building and departmental project management, will be key to the success of this position.

Read more here

Community Planner – City of Newberry

This is a comprehensive planning position responsible for daily public interaction, current and long-range planning, zoning administration, development review, and supporting public meetings. You’ll be the “Planner of the Day,” providing exceptional customer service while interpreting local codes, preparing reports, managing databases, and coordinating with developers and regulatory agencies.

Read more here

Economic Development Specialist – City of Ocala

The position is a highly responsible, professional, technical, and administrative position with responsibilities involving analytical and technical work in the areas of City-wide economic development. Monitors existing business assistance areas and explores the potential for new investment tools to enhance the community’s overall effectiveness, productivity, and sustainability. Provide backup services to the overall Growth Management Department.

Salary: $52,880.00 – $70,180.00 Annually

Read more here

CRA Legal Advisor – Fort Myers CRA

The Staff Counsel position is responsible for the management and supervision of all legal matters affecting the CRA. The incumbent will be responsible for negotiating and drafting contracts, responding to correspondence and public inquiries on legal matters related to the CRA, and advising CRA staff regarding the duties, powers, functions, and obligations of the CRA.

Read more here

Economic Development Manager – City of Dunedin

Hiring Salary: $67,308.80 – $80,766.40 (DOQ)

Additional Compensation Benefits:

• Flexible work schedules
• 3 medical insurance plans through Cigna
• Dental Care
• Vision Care
• Annual & Sick Leave @ 5 % of scheduled annual hours
• Defined Contribution Plan 401(a) with generous 8% City contribution
• Life Insurance and Long Term Disability
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave



Under general supervision, performs professional and managerial work related to the development and implementation of economic development plans, programs and services, and supporting management of the City’s Community Redevelopment District. Work requires considerable independent judgement following established guidelines, codes, rules and policies. Serves as the department’s acting director when designated. Reports to the Economic & Housing Development Director.

Read more here

Redevelopment Planner – City of Melbourne

Salary Range: $63,972.84 – $104,824.63 annually

Description:

Under the general supervision of the Community Development Director or one of the managers, performs planning and redevelopment functions involving urban and community redevelopment planning, including coordination of activities for the community redevelopment agencies (CRA)’s. The employee may be responsible for a variety of planning, community redevelopment and economic development functions, including representing the department before local boards, managing the distribution of planning work to other associates, support staff and assistants. 

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in urban or regional planning, public administration, business administration or related field;

Minimum of one year of professional urban planning or community development related experience is required.

Read more here

Assistant Director of Redevelopment, Real Estate & Market Economics – City Of Homestead, CRA

The Assistant Director for Redevelopment, Real Estate & Market Economics plays a key leadership role within the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), overseeing complex redevelopment initiatives, real estate transactions, and market-driven economic strategies. This position is responsible for negotiating development agreements, crafting public-private partnerships, preparing incentive packages, and managing consultant contracts. The Assistant Director provides strategic oversight of redevelopment projects, capital improvements, and economic development initiatives that align with the City’s Master Plan. They serve as the CRA’s liaison with internal departments, development professionals, and the public to advance the agency’s goals in property revitalization, business attraction, and infrastructure investment.



This full-time, in-person role requires strong expertise in real estate development, market analysis, project management, and fiscal oversight. The ideal candidate holds a degree in a related field, possesses at least five years of experience in redevelopment or economic development, and is proficient in pro forma analysis, incentive financing tools (e.g., LIHTC, New Markets Tax Credits, Live Local Act), and capital planning. Strong communication skills are essential for preparing reports, presenting to boards, and representing the CRA in public forums. The role also involves occasional evening and weekend work and is designated as essential personnel.

Read more here

RFPs / RFQs / LOIs

New! Call for Artists – City of Bartow CRA

The City of Bartow Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) invites qualified artists to submit proposals for the design and installation of murals on two public restroom exterior walls, as part of the CRA’s ongoing efforts to promote public art and strengthen our community identity. Artists may submit proposals for one or both projects, which will transform two ordinary spaces into vibrant landmarks for the City of Bartow and CRA District. The CRA reserves the right to approve all artwork displayed in the public realm for community standards.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain visibility, contribute to community beautification, and engage with fellow creatives for three unique murals in the public realm.

Submission Deadline: 10/31/2025

Artist Selection Announced: 12/3/2025

Contract Finalization: 1/30/26

Project Completion: 3/18/2026

Read more here

MORE FRA RESOURCES

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