Your Weekly FRA Update:

May 1, 2025

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! Orlando Approves Nearly $20M Purchase of Properties for Downtown Revitalization – Orlando CRA

“One of [the properties], right on the corner of Orange and Pine Street, is 30 South Orange Ave. One is one of Orlando’s original skyscrapers right on Orange, which is 1 North Orange, and then [we have] two very strategic properties that are our gateway to Lake Eola at 205 East Central and 215 East Central, ” said David Barilla, executive director of the Downtown Development Board and the CRA.

Each property sets the stage for transformative projects. Starting with 30 South Orange, the plan is to design a dynamic public park with many features."

Read more here

New! Residents Share Views of $6.7 Million Redevelopment Project – Martin County CRA

It’s growing right beyond Welsh’s fence on Mapp Road.

The growing Welsh sees is the result of the $6.7 million Mapp Road Town Center Project that is part of the larger community redevelopment area plan for Old Palm City, more than two decades in the making.

“People were not coming here to put a business or to live and work,” said Susan Kores, director of Martin County Community Redevelopment Agency.

Kores said one of the things they wanted to do was grow Mapp Road, creating a “Complete Street.” Kores said they added larger sidewalks, more parking spaces, crosswalks, bike lanes and better drainage.

Read more here

New! A Hotel Development is One Step Closer to Coming to Downtown Fort Myers by 2026 – Fort Myers CRA

A new hotel is on the verge of being built in downtown Fort Myers as soon as 2026, after city leaders approved a multimillion-dollar rebate for developers.

The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) voted unanimously to accept a developer’s request for a $14 million rebate to start building a new hotel called Tempo by Hilton.

The rebate, known as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), is a public financing tool the city gives to private developers to promote economic development that would benefit the community.

Read more here

The Beautiful Tampa Riverwalk Voted 2nd Best in America – Tampa CRA

The Tampa Riverwalk has officially been named the second best riverwalk in the country, according to USA Today’s latest 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. It was selected from a group of 20 riverwalks across the U.S., with public voting determining the final results. Only Waterfront Park in Louisville, Kentucky finished higher.

Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, the 2.6-mile scenic waterfront path draws more than 2 million visitors annually who walk, bike, and explore the area, according to a press release from The Friends of the Tampa Riverwalk. This recognition highlights Tampa’s vibrant downtown, sparks community pride, and shines a national spotlight on one of the city’s most iconic features.

Read more here

Lake Wales Reaches Deal to Regain Ownership of Historic Downtown Walesbilt Hotel

Lake Wales is on the verge of reclaiming one of its most important downtown assets.

The city and its Community Redevelopment Agency reached an agreement Friday with the owner of the Walesbilt Hotel to end a three-year legal battle. Under the agreement, the city will pay $450,000 to Raymond Brown, owner of Dixie Walesbilt LCC, to transfer ownership of the hotel to the Lake Wales CRA.

The deal only needs the approval of the Lake Wales City Commission and the CRA board, which consists of the five city commissioners.

“My reaction is: Finally, finally, finally,” said City Commissioner Robin Gibson, the chair of the CRA board. “It is going to mean a lot to the town and particularly downtown. Our expert witness who was going to testify at trial had validated the economic consequences of not having the hotel renovated, and that is loss of tax revenue and all the surrounding property values not going up. And now we can turn that coin over.”

Read more here

Historic Salcines Park Renovation Begins; Set To Be Completed in mid-2026

Once considered the gateway to West Tampa, the iconic park with ties to the community’s rich history will be upgraded to a vibrant, safe and popular gathering space.

Salcines Park, named for longtime West Tampa Civic Leader Emiliano Salcines, will be transformed into a fresh, new space for residents and visitors to enjoy. The more than $1.4 million project is funded by the Tampa Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and is within the downtown CRA boundaries.

The 6,000-square-foot park will receive a significant facelift, including new fencing, furniture, lighting, landscaping, and shaded areas, all against the backdrop of the iconic blue and white mural that pays homage to the neighborhood’s most beloved community members.

Read more here

Jobs

Economic Development Coordinator – City of St. Petersburg

This is responsible professional and public contact work with the Economic and Workforce Development Department. The primary focus of this position is coordinating, monitoring, and supervising the planning, development and implementation of business support programs and partner engagement within the City’s three Community Redevelopment Areas. The work will involve coordinating the facilitation and review of ongoing and future economic development or redevelopment activities through the City, including the public and private finance programs involved; assisting developers, businesses, real estate professionals, property owners and other relevant parties in matters related to community and economic development; and coordinating with other departments in the City. 

Closes 5-9-25

Read more here

Public Information Officer and Marketing Specialist – City of Tarpon Springs

Position: Public Information Officer and Marketing Specialist

Department: City Manager

Salary Range: $60,222-$99,387 D.O.Q.

Closing Date:     OPEN UNTIL FILLED

The City of Tarpon Springs is seeking a Public Information Officer and Marketing Specialist to effectively lead and manage the public communications and marketing strategies in supporting the City’s vision of an inclusive and prosperous community guided by our history, traditions, and natural environment. The City is seeking a technically competent, experienced, personable, engaging, and customer service-oriented leader to continue the organization’s success of promoting and bringing visitors to the City.

Read more here

CRA Coordinator – Clearwater CRA

TARGET ENTRY SALARY: $63,947 – $67,145 DOQ

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Under administrative direction, the CRA Coordinator performs highly responsible administrative support for the plans, projects, and programs for the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) community redevelopment areas and Downtown Development Board (DDB).

Read more here

CRA Division Manager – Clearwater CRA

TARGET ENTRY SALARY: $81,615 – $ 85,695 DOQ

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Under administrative direction, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Division Manager develops, administers, and implements the City’s Community Redevelopment efforts, programs, and activities. May be assigned to Urban Planning and Information, Programs, or Projects. Plans objectives and goals for the division and administers daily activities.

This recruitment is for the Placemaking and Project Manager position. 

Read more here

CRA Legal Advisor - Delray Beach CRA

Pay Range: $75,000-$130,000

General Description:

This is a professional and responsible position that will assist with the coordination, administration, and management of legal matters concerning the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency

(CRA). The CRA is represented by outside counsel and is seeking an attorney on Staff to liaison with Staff and outside counsel, as needed.

Read more here

Long Range Planning Manager - City of Pinellas Park

SALARY: $71,155.24+ depending on qualifications and experience

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Under general direction, manages Long Range Planning for the City of Pinellas Park, supervises staff, and develops and implements policies and procedures compliant with City Ordinances and Florida statutes.

Read more here

RFPs / RFQs / LOIs

New! 1171 - RFQ 25 – 3 -MARINA VILLAGE PHASE II DEVELOPMENT - Riviera Beach CRA

Closing Date: 06/27/2025 02:00 PM EDT

Read more here

Pre-Qualification and Selection for General Consulting Services – City of Fort Walton Beach

Pre-Qualification and Selection for General Consulting Services – City of Fort Walton Beach

Responses Due: May 6, 2025, 2:30 PM Local Time

Read more here

Request for Qualifications: Professional Services

The Orange Blossom Trail Development Board is seeking qualified firms to provide continuing professional services in four key disciplines to help implement the OBTNext Master Plan. Firms may submit statements of qualifications for one or any combination of the requested disciplines. This opportunity allows your firm to be part of the revitalization of the 8.3-mile corridor from State Road 50 to State Road 528 (Beachline Expressway).

Deadline: Friday, May 2, 2025, 4:00 PM local time

Read more here

Call for Development Concepts – Reimagine Clearwater Main Library: A Cultural Destination

The City of Clearwater is seeking visionary partners—museums, planetariums, and performing arts institutions—to help transform the Clearwater Main Library into a premier cultural destination for Tampa Bay residents and visitors.

Feb. 19, 2025: Launch Call for Development Concepts

May 21, 2025: Submission Period Opens

June 20, 2025, 10 a.m.: Submission Period Ends

Read more here

MORE FRA RESOURCES

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