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Your Weekly FRA Update:
April 4, 2025
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CRA Stakeholders: This is an urgent call to action to contact the Senate Committee on Rules members and encourage them to Oppose SB 1242
House Bill 991 and Senate Bill 1242 are still advancing through the legislative process, posing an immediate threat to the vital work of CRAs across the state.
Senate Bill 1242 will be heard next in the Senate Committee on Rules.
Reach out to the members of the Senate Committee on Rules with your messages in opposition to SB 1242.
Use the Redevelopment Works site for sample facts to share to craft YOUR information to show your CRA's impact and good work.
| | Reminder: Share Your Knowledge & Learn | |
FRA's Q&A forum is your go-to platform to find answers, resources and information you need for successful redevelopment projects and initiatives. FRA members can post questions, explore ideas, and discuss topics with other MyFRA users.
| | 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! Tallahassee’s Greater Bond Neighborhood to See More Homes Rehabilitated
CRAs create affordable housing and homeownership opportunities! The Greater Bond Neighborhood Association’s Neighborhood First plan, adopted in 2018, includes strategies, like promoting financial housing assistance programs and increased homeownership.
The Tallahassee Community Redevelopment Agency voted to provide $6.4 million to the “Neighborhood First” plan. That includes an initial funding of $500,000, and a commitment for an additional $5.9 million over the next three years.
Recently, a $425,000 grant was approved unanimously for the Bond Rehabilitation Program. This money will also be provided by the Tallahassee CRA. It will fund up to 25 residential rehabilitation projects in the Bond neighborhood.
Read more here
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New! Margate Begins Planning Process for City Place Development
Margate is taking the first steps toward developing City Place, a 50-acre property located at the intersection of Margate Boulevard and State Road 7.
In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board agreed to begin negotiations with Brookfield Properties to develop the site.
To inform the public and encourage community input, CRA Vice Chair Tommy Ruzzano hosted a workshop on March 31. About 70 residents attended the event, where Ruzzano emphasized that the land is owned by the city—and therefore, the community should have a say in what is ultimately built.
Read more here
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New! CRA Eyeing Rental Grant to Attract Retail
Downtown Sebring has added new eateries recently and now the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) seeks to create an incentive to attract more retail businesses.
This would be something new, CRA Board Chair David Leidel said Friday.
“We are trying to get to the point where we can step away from feeling like we have to purchase a building to have an impact to be able to incentivize the downtown,” he explained.
A concept will be introduced to the CRA Board on Monday of creating a grant that would provide rental assistance for downtown retail tenants, Leidel said.
The details of this will be discussed by the board, but, for example, if a landlord can bring in a retail shop, the CRA would be willing to supplement a portion of that monthly rent for 12 months in exchange for a three-year lease or for a five-year lease, possibly a two-year incentive program, he said.
Read more here
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The Power of Public Art
From outdoor murals on the sides of buildings to sculptures along city promenades, public works of art can beautify and distinguish towns, attract tourism, celebrate communities and enrich the people who encounter them.
According to an opinion poll conducted by Americans for the Arts, 86 percent of Americans believe that art and culture improve their community’s quality of life and livability.
Here is a look at public art in four South Florida locales.
Read more here
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Apopka Action Sports Park Grand Opening
After a January groundbreaking followed by several weeks of construction, the city hosted a grand opening for the Apopka Action Sports Park, a $500,000 project that the Apopka Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) funded.
The grand opening, which will had a ribbon cutting, began at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the park, which is located north of the Fran Carlton Community Center, 11 N. Forest Ave., Apopka.
Directly linked to the West Orange Trail, the Apopka Action Sports Park entails a street-style skate park area with rails, gaps and banks and a bordering pump track for BMX bikers. Citizens from Apopka and other area communities may bring their boards, bike, scooter and skates to the grand opening ceremony and try out the park.
Read more here
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‘This is Gorgeous’: Completed Projects Bring Lake Wales Closer to Being ‘A City in a Garden’
Lake Wales recently finished two related projects, part of an ambitious, multiyear plan to revitalize downtown and attract new businesses. The city held a ribbon cutting March 7 to celebrate the renovations of Park Avenue and Market Plaza.
Lake Wales, Florida, recently completed renovations on Park Avenue and Market Plaza to revitalize its downtown area.
The project, inspired by a 1931 city plan, features a pedestrian-friendly design with new landscaping, lighting, and wider sidewalks.
While some business owners faced challenges during construction, many are optimistic about the future of the downtown area.
The Park Avenue renovation took about two years, finishing roughly four months behind schedule. The city faced a setback last year when it became apparent that bricks on the street’s surface were shifting under the weight of vehicles, while a drainage system along a two-block stretch was not functioning properly.
The City Commission, in its role as board of directors of the Lake Wales Community Redevelopment Agency, approved spending about $138,000.
Read more here
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More FRA Member News to Use!
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Community Redevelopment Project/Marketing Coordinator – Lake Park CRA
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT/MARKETING COORDINATOR
Department: Community Redevelopment Agency
Annual Salary Range: $60,784.98 to $97,255.96
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Full Time
JOB SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Administrator, develops plans and executes project and marketing initiatives that grow the Town and Community Redevelopment Agency brand and drive targeted individuals, businesses, and investors to desired actions. The ideal candidate must be a “go getter” and a “rain maker” and will have prior experience with a wide range of place-marketing and place-branding functions, including community consensus building and communications, business development, retention and attraction, branding and campaign development, events, public relations, promotions, digital marketing, email and social media. Must be an organized multitasker able to handle many diverse projects at once to meet deadlines. Stays informed about the market, industry trends, and the competitive landscape, while helping implement best practices in all marketing activities. Ensure all marketing efforts serve to achieve immediate and long-term agency goals, identifying and executing improvements for processes, content, and results.
Deadline: 5:00 p.m. on April 14, 2025
Read more here
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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
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Growth Management Director – City of Lake Wales, Florida
The City of Lake Wales is seeking an assertive, action-oriented leader to serve as its next Growth Management Director. The ideal candidate is a subject matter expert in planning, zoning, permitting, and code enforcement, with deep knowledge of zoning laws, comprehensive planning, development regulations, and economic development. Experience working with Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) is essential, ensuring strategic alignment between growth management and business recruitment efforts.
The City of Lake Wales is offering a salary range of $75,921 to $134,160 for this position and a comprehensive benefits package.
First Review of Applications: April 9, 2025
Read more here
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Executive Director – Boynton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency
The CRA Board is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director. This highly responsible position manages the day-to-day operations and oversees a wide variety of redevelopment and economic development activities that include fiscal operations, policy making, capital project administration, BBCRA program management, redevelopment plan implementation, property acquisition, business incentives, new business development, business attraction and retention, special business promotion activities, as well as the management and maintenance of BBCRA-owned properties, which includes a marina.
The first review of resumes will take place on April 10, 2025; the position is open until filled.
Read more here
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City of Clearwater CRA Coordinator – Community Redevelopment Agency Division
Position Description
TARGET ENTRY SALARY: $63,947 – $67,145 DOQ
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
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City of Clearwater CRA Division Manager – Community Redevelopment Agency Division
Position Description
TARGET ENTRY SALARY: $81,615 – $85,696 DOQ
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.
Read more here
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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
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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
| | | | More FRA Member Job Postings | |
Want to see all of the redevelopment positions available from FRA members across the state of Florida?
Click here for more jobs!
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New! 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
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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
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Want to see all of the redevelopment FRPs/RFQs?LOIs from FRA members across the state of Florida?
Click here for more RFPs!
| | | | Thank you for supporting Florida redevelopment! Have questions or news to share? fra@flcities.com | | | | |
