|
Your Weekly FRA Update:
April 18, 2025
| | Click the image above, or here, to view this important message and action steps about contacting the Senate Committee on Rules members BEFORE Monday, April 21 at 2 PM - when the committee meets to review SB 1242. | | 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! New CRA Director in Town – Avon Park
Jessica Carlson is Avon Park’s new Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Economic Development Manager as of last week. She’s spent her first week researching and listening, getting to know the people of Avon Park.
She’s born and raised in Central Florida, graduating from the West University of Pensacola and started her career in high-rise real estate development in downtown Tampa. She moved to Sebring in 2020, and Highlands County feels “more like home every day.”
“For a country girl from Wauchula, it was exciting to be part of the first 32-story mixed-use residential and commercial complex in the heart of the city,” Carlson said. “While I enjoyed the fast pace of urban development, my heart has always been rooted in small towns and community-driven spaces. Over the years, I’ve built a diverse background in municipal finance, business management, and led a county Chamber of Commerce.”
Read more here
| | | |
New! Reviving a Landmark: $50K Grant to Help Restore Alachua’s Theatre Park
The City of Alachua welcomed dozens of local residents and business owners to Alachua’s Theatre Park on Main Street on March 27, 2025, to celebrate the receipt of a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile. Alachua was one of just 25 municipalities to receive the Mobile Hometown Grant this year. According to a T-Mobile representative who presented the ceremonial check, the City of Alachua is the only one in the greater central Florida area to receive one of these grants from T-Mobile.
Alachua’s Community Redevelopment Agency Coordinator Susan King has been applying on behalf of the City for the grant for three years. The grant will add funds to help fulfill a growing list of plans for renovations in Theatre Park.
The multiphase renovations will include a small stage with handicap access and the flexibility to install a temporary overhead screen or shield to protect performers from the elements. To increase the viability as study, lunch, relaxation, and gathering space, additional but limited seating is also planned.
Read more here
| | | |
New! Community Redevelopment Agency Opens “Common Ground” Pocket Park in Downtown Fort Myers
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency built the park in the vacant lot with the help of a private donor. The land is being leased to the CRA for 15 years until the owner of the land decides to move forward with it. This article includes dozens of beautiful photos of the park.
Read more here
| | | | |
New! Rotary, Sebring, CRA Break Ground on Restroom Facility
The Rotary Club of Sebring, the City of Sebring and the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency came together Thursday morning for the groundbreaking for a brand new downtown public restroom facility at 122 N. Commerce Ave. in the heart of the CRA district.
This project is led by the Rotary Club in honor of their 100th year anniversary is a much-needed and impactful addition to the historic downtown.
The new restrooms will be ADA-compliant, family-friendly (complete with large baby changing tables), fully air-conditioned, and thoughtfully designed to be both functional and beautiful – complete with a Rotary/Sebring-themed mural.
Read more here
| | | | |
Construction to Start on $100 Million Straz Center Expansion
The David A. Straz Jr. Center for the Performing Arts will introduce a new restaurant, cafe, bar and a terrace with a large arch facing the downtown Tampa Riverwalk.
The Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency approved $25 million to fund the project in 2021.
Read more here
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
New! 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
| | | | 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!
| | | | |
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
| | | | |
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 | | | | |
