Your Weekly FRA Update:

August 28, 2025

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The FRA Board of Directors at the recent Board Meeting. Thank you for all you do!

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! First Year Recap with SoMo Walls Anchor Tenant and Social Dining Space The Monroe

CRAs transform communities #redevelopmentworks



The Tallahassee CRA Board approved two separate applications for this project in 2022.

Just one year ago arts and entertainment destination SoMo Walls’ anchor tenant The Monroe opened its doors.

Its official introduction into the capital city on Aug. 2, 2024 brought in a wave of excitement as well as stark criticism.

The upscale eateries’ debut year is one developer Bugra Demirel described as “incredible,” exceeding the team’s expectations of what impact the restaurant would have on the community and how well it would be received.

Read more here

New! City Re-Opens 2 Renovated Basketball Courts at Alonzo Williams Park

CRAs transform streetscapes and improve communities #redevelopmentworks



Two basketball courts at Alonzo Williams Park are now open for use one month after a renovation project began, according to an Aug. 21 city of Apopka news release.

The city parks and recreation department used money from the Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency to rebuild the two community basketball courts.

The lighted basketball courts are open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Alonzo Williams Park is located next to the Billie Dean Community Center at 225 M A Board St., Apopka.

“[City] Staff look forward to seeing the community members back on the courts and hope everyone is able to stop by and enjoy Alonzo Williams Park and its amenities,” the news release states.

Read more here

New! Panama City CRA Discusses Proposed Projects for the 2026 Fiscal Year

CRAs transform communities #redevelopmentworks



The City of Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency held a Virtual Workshop on Friday morning, discussing its proposed projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Proposed allowance of $1,294,570 for projects in the Millville District
• Proposed allowance of $1,409,798 for projects in the St. Andrews District
• Proposed allowance of $574,391 for following projects in the Downtown District

CRA board will make its decisions during the Sept. 2 meeting.

Read more here

Calhoun Street Pedestrian Bridge in Tallahassee May Soon See $150,000 in Improvements

CRAs transform streetscapes and improve communities #redevelopmentworks



A pedestrian bridge in downtown Tallahassee may soon get a $150,000 makeover.

The Downtown Redevelopment Commission recently voted to recommend up to $150,000 for the bridge’s improvements.

The improvements are part of a larger effort to spruce up downtown Tallahassee, as the bridge is right next to the failed project, Washington Square.

The bridge, located on Calhoun Street, connects those who park downtown to one of the high rises. With the new funding, it is expected to soon have new lights, new signs, and increased safety.

Read more here

Martin CRA Gets Golden Gate Updates

CRAs improve neighborhoods #redevelopmentworks



The Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency got updates July 28 from both staff and consultants on the Golden Gate Vision Plan now being implemented and other potential Golden Gate neighborhood improvements that will be utilized in the future to seek additional grant funding for the Golden Gate CRA.

Project Manager Joy Puerta launched the discussion on the Vision Plan.

“This involves landscape improvements in the Golden Gate CRA that include Southeast Dixie Highway medians, Bonita Street, Clayton Street, Delmar Street and Birch Avenue,” she said. “The project’s going to serve as a pilot to create a landscape vision for each CRA. I gave you the justifications behind this at one of the previous meetings about safety components along Dixie Highway.”

Read more here

Downtown Apopka’s New Mural Set for Grand Reveal on August 22nd

CRAs fosters community unity and enhances culture and entertainment #redevelopmentworks



Downtown Apopka is about to welcome a striking new landmark—and the public is invited to celebrate its arrival. On Friday, August 22nd at 1 p.m., Main Street Apopka will unveil The Downtown Mural, a bold, colorful public art installation gracing the west wall of Domino’s Pizza at 2 East Main Street. Guests can meet the artist, Apopka’s own Ridge Bonnick, enjoy free pizza, and snap photos in front of what’s expected to become an iconic downtown backdrop.

The Domino’s building recently received a Facade Renovation Grant through the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), with work by local contractor Oscar Painter Home Improvement. Franchise owner Nelson Diaz called the project “a way to draw customers and contribute to the vibrancy of our downtown area.”

For Ridge, a self-taught artist whose work has appeared from Orlando to the Daytona coast, the mural is both personal and communal. “Art has always been my outlet,” he said. “Every piece I create is about connecting what’s inside us to the world around us.” His design aims to reflect Apopka’s unique identity while inviting visitors—from day-trippers headed to the springs to longtime residents—to pause, take a photo, and explore the nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Read more here

Jobs

New! 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

Executive Director Services – Boynton Beach CRA

Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency request for proposals for Executive Director Services

Issue Date: August 15, 2025

Issuing Entity: The Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

Contact Person: Vicki Hill, Finance Director Tel: (561) 600-9092 – Fax: (561) 737-3258

Address for Submittal: The Boynton Beach CRA 100 East Ocean Avenue, 4th Floor Boynton Beach, FL 33435 RFP

Submission Due Date: Monday, September 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm (Eastern Daylight Savings Time)

Term of Engagement: The term of the proposal is for two (2) years with the option of a one (1) year renewal.

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

Community Development & Project Manager – City of Winter Park

This position is responsible for providing project management services for the City of Winter Park and Winter Park Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) including capital project

management from inception to completion. You will be spending time working with heads and leads of other departments to achieve productivity, along with visiting construction sites, check on progress, and solving problems.

This position will direct project consultants and contractors under the supervision of OMB leadership. This also includes writing and/or reviewing Requests for Qualifications and Requests for Proposals, Bids, monitoring contracts and site work. Employee is also expected to attend and speak in internal, external, and board meetings as required. Applicant must be passionate and have a high degree of energy and dedication and be able to work independently and possess strong public speaking skills.

Closing Date

8/29/2025 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

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

City Planner: City of Temple Terrace

Position: City Planner

Position No.: 3.302

Department: Community Development

Salary: $90,000 – $115,000 annually

This is highly responsible professional work in the Community Development Department’s Planning Division.

Responsibilities include site plan reviews, staff presentations to City Council, supervision of the division’s staff; preparation of the division’s budget; special projects, studies and reports; historic preservation; downtown redevelopment; river preservation; and development and maintenance of the Land Development Code and Level of Service Standards.

Requires coordination with other City staff, contractors, developers, land use professionals, the City/County Planning Commission and other governmental agencies and the public.

The position functions as part of the Community Development Department management team and may, at the designation of the Director, serve as acting Community Development Director.

Read more here

RFPs / RFQs / LOIs

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