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Your Weekly FRA Update:
September 25, 2026
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Thank You for an Incredible Redevelopment Week!
To all of our fellow Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) across Florida,
A huge thank you for your amazing participation in last week’s Redevelopment Week!
It was truly inspiring to see so many agencies come together to share success stories, highlight community transformations, and celebrate the incredible work being done across our state. Your dedication to revitalizing neighborhoods, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for our residents is what makes our communities thrive.
When we collaborate and share our passion, we make all of Florida stronger. Thank you for your hard work, your vision, and for continuing to prove every single day that Redevelopment Works!
We are proud to stand alongside you as members of the Florida Redevelopment Association. Here’s to continuing our mission and building brighter futures for all of our communities.
Warmly,
Michele Hylton-Terry, President
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Registration is now open for the 2026 Annual FRA Conference in Charlotte Harbor, Florida, from October 20-23 at the Sunseeker Resort.
Registration goes up by $100 at 5 PM on 9/25 - don't wait!
The conference will feature invited redevelopment speakers and panelists sharing best practices, reviewing legislation impacting CRAs in Florida, and networking opportunities to meet other redevelopment professionals. The FRA Annual Conference is the perfect event for elected officials, agency or government staff, redevelopment consultants, and vendors. We look forward to seeing you in beautiful Charlotte Harbor in October 2026!
| | Be Involved: 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.
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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!
FRA Members - share your stories and successes with the FRA - email us at fra@flcities.com and include a description or press release, and a photo!
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New! New Luxury Hotel Proposed for Riverfront Plaza
CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks
A new riverfront hotel could soon grace the Downtown Jacksonville skyline. Gateway Jax is looking to build a hotel at Riverfront Plaza, and the Downtown Investment Authority is expected to vote to approve millions of dollars in incentives to bring it to life.
City Councilman Jimmy Peluso, whose district includes Riverfront Plaza, believes this will keep the riverfront activated without blocking many views.
“When you look at it next to the actual Wells Fargo, it doesn’t block views the way that I think I was concerned and other people were concerned with. And so based on that, I think they’re going in the right direction,” Peluso explained.
This includes a $35.397 million Recapture Enhanced Value Grant (REV Grant), which will be based on 75% of the incremental increase in county property taxes to be collected over 20 years, according to the term sheet. The developer is also requesting a $20 million completion grant paid directly from the Downtown Northbank Community Redevelopment Agency.
Read more here
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New! Gulf Breeze Continues Work on Multi-Use Path Network for Safer Daily Commutes
CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks
The city is investing in a new multi-use paths in high-traffic areas. This is just phase two of the project. The idea is to create an entire network of paths throughout Gulf Breeze.
Whether you’re walking by foot, taking an e-bike or riding in a golf cart, these are just some of the ways Gulf Breeze residents get around.
“We decided to take us a little shortcut over here using the multi-use path and noticed a little track over here that cuts across,” resident Daniel Langston said.
It’s a makeshift pathway at Shoreline Drive and McAbee Court that the city will now makeover.
“This area again is heavily used by kids, and it’s going to be a good safety project to increase safety and multi-mobility in that space,” said Craig Chamberlin with the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA).
Read more here
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New! How the Overtown Performing Arts Center Became a Hub for Culture and Community
CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks
Built in 1947 as the Ebenezer Methodist Church, the historic building in the heart of Overtown was redeveloped by the Overtown Community Redevelopment Agency a decade ago to become the Overtown Performing Arts Center, or OPAC. It has since become the heartbeat of the neighborhood.
“One piece of the bigger picture was the CRA’s vision to keep alive those historic spaces in Overtown and why the OPAC, which is historically designated on the National Register of Historic Places, was renovated and restored and maintains its original high ceilings and gothic architecture,” said Maya Jackson, community engagement coordinator for the Southeast Overtown/Park West CRA.
The OPAC operates as an event center and is regularly used for weddings, birthday parties and other special occasions by the community. The CRA has also used it to facilitate free tango classes, musical performances and art installations.
Read more here
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Where Redevelopers Meet: Orlando CRA Tour Highlights Innovative Approaches to Housing and Redevelopment
CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks
The Apopka, Bartow, Orlando and Winter Haven Community Redevelopment Agencies recently participated in “Where Redevelopers Meet – Orlando CRA Connect 407 Tour,” an opportunity for community redevelopment professionals to explore innovative redevelopment and housing initiatives taking place in Central Florida.
The tour brought together CRA representatives for a firsthand look at projects and programs addressing economic development, housing, homelessness, and community revitalization.
The group toured Creative Village, a transformative mixed-use development in downtown Orlando that demonstrates how public investment, strategic partnerships, and redevelopment can create new opportunities for education, housing, employment, and neighborhood revitalization.
Read more here
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CRA Board to Consider TIF Agreement for Bimini East
CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks
Cape Coral City Council, sitting as the South Cape Community Redevelopment Agency commission, is expected to vote on a Tax Increment Rebate Agreement of more than $45 million between the city and Crowne Development, Inc. and Bimini Basin Redevelopment Company, LLC Wednesday.
According to Resolution 11-26, “the city intends to convey the right, title and interest of that certain real property to Bimini Basin Redevelopment Company, LLC, (Owner) who shall then engage Crown Development, Inc. (Developer), to proceed forward with and completely develop the subject property into a mixed-use project containing a walkable and integrated open-air venue with dynamic public spaces and exceptional “live, work and play destination.”
The development agreement includes a minimum of 130,000 square feet of commercial space, a minimum of 150,00 square feet to a maximum of 200,000 square feet of medical use, a maximum of 900 residential units f townhomes, condominiums, and apartments, a bandshell, hotels, public parks, a pedestrian promenade to Bimini Square, four parking garages and a 50-slip transient boat dock.
Read more here
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Bradenton Plans Renovations for Point Park University Campus
CRAs build better communities! #redevelopmentworks
The City of Bradenton and its Community Redevelopment Agency are prepared to invest millions of dollars into a university building in downtown Bradenton.
Pittsburgh-based Point Park University and the City of Bradenton recently announced plans to bring a satellite campus, focused on performing arts, to downtown Bradenton, and the City of Bradenton could spend up to $5 million to help attract the university to downtown.
The university, which has about 3,600 students, is known for its Conservatory for Performing Arts. At a recent Manatee County Commission meeting, commissioners approved the transfer of the former General Telephone (GTE) Building, valued at $1.2 million, to the City of Bradenton. The building, located at 1009 Fourth Avenue W., could be the first building for the Point Park University campus.
Read more here
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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! Housing/Community Development Specialist (Home Rehabilitation Program)
📍 Location: Broward County
💼 Position Type: Full-Time
🏛 Department: RED HUP Home Rep
📅 Application Deadline: 9/25/2026 5:00 PM Eastern
🔎 Job Summary
This is a professional and administrative position with the Housing and Urban Planning Division that requires a candidate with thorough income certification experience and knowledge in the administering, implementing, and monitoring of affordable housing and/or community development programs funded from local, state or federal government sources. Knowledge of residential mortgage loan underwriting and experience with closing residential real estate transactions is required.
Read more here
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CRA Manager – City of Haines City
📍 Location: Haines City, FL
💼 Position Type: Full-Time
💰 Salary Range: $79,149.41 – $114,632.10 annually
📊 Department: Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
📅 Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
The City of Haines City is seeking a CRA Manager to lead redevelopment initiatives and oversee implementation of community redevelopment plans within the City’s CRA districts.
This position plays a key role in advancing redevelopment projects, economic development strategies, property redevelopment efforts, and long-term community revitalization initiatives.
🔎 Job Summary
Under the direction of City Administration, the CRA Manager is responsible for managing redevelopment programs, coordinating projects and consultants, overseeing CRA operations, and supporting implementation of redevelopment strategies throughout the community.
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 | | | | |
