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Fort Myers CRA Supports More Affordable Housing in the Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. Area
Towles Garden, a 140-unit affordable townhome community in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area, was approved for a $4.9 million CRA tax increment rebate on December 2, 2020. Read More -
Palmera on the River Apartments to be built on Downtown Vacant Property
Palmera on the River, a 221-unit apartment community in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for a $9.535 million CRA tax increment rebate on December 2, 2020. Read More -
Edison Awards Call for Nominations
The Edison Awards has issued a Call for Nominations for the 2021 Edison Awards. Companies who've recently launched outstanding innovations are invited to apply by November 20, 2020. Read More -
AC by Marriott Hotel to add 132 hotel rooms to Downtown redevelopment area, Approved for Rebate
AC by Marriott Hotel, a 132-room hotel to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $5.57 million at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting on October 14, 2020. Read More -
Hampton Inn Groundbreaking Ceremony
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Hampton Inn by Hilton was held on October 15, 2020. Read More -
CRA Commissioners Awarded for Years of Service
CRA Commissioners Randall P. Henderson, Jr. and Gaile H. Anthony were recognized for their years of service on the CRA’s Board of Commissioners. Read More -
Silver Hills at Fort Myers Apartments Phase II Approved for CRA Rebate
Silver Hills at Fort Myers, Phase II, a 126-unit luxury multi-family apartment community to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $4.965 million at the Board of Commissioners meeting on September 23. Read More -
St. Peter Claver Place Phase II to Add 78 Affordable Apartments, Approved for TIF Rebate
St. Peter Claver Place Apartments, Phase II, a 78-unit workforce housing apartment community to be built in the Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $2.6 million by Fort Myers CRA Commissioners on September 23. Read More -
Michele Hylton-Terry Spotlighted by FutureMakers Coalition
Fort Myers CRA Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry was featured the FutureMakers Coalition August 28, 2020 newsletter as the issue's spotlight. Read More -
Michele Hylton-Terry Participates on Progressive Women's Day 2020 Panel
Fort Myers CRA Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry appeared on Progressive Women's Day 2020 on September 26. It was a virtual hour with progressive women of Southwest Florida. Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order Number 20-244
On September 25, Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244 which moves Florida into Phase 3 of reopening. Read More -
Business Spotlight: Babyland Christian Academy
This month's redevelopment area spotlight is Babyland Christian Academy, an early education school, located at 2329 Union Street, Suite 1 in the Downtown redevelopment area. View their presentation for more details! Read More -
FY 2020-2021 Fort Myers CRA Budget Adopted
Fort Myers CRA's budget for the fiscal year 2020-2021 was adopted at the Board of Commissioners meeting on September 23, 2020. Several exciting new items have been added to the budget. Read More -
McCollum Hall Update: Exciting Vision & Design Features Presented, Timeline Extended
McCollum Hall Redevelopment Associates/REVA Development Corporation have presented their vision for the historic landmark's new use and design finishes that highlight McCollum Hall's historic character. Read More -
Luminary Hotel & Co Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
The Luminary Hotel & Co Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held on Thursday, September 17, 2020. A number of local dignitaries were in attendance. Read More -
COVID-19 Emergency Order 2020-10
On September 10, at the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued Emergency Order 2020-10, which states that DBPR is allowing bars to operate at 50% indoor capacity. Read More -
McCollum Hall Mural Artists Selected at Public Art Committee Meeting on Sept. 15
Finalists J.P. Almonacid and Erik Schlake were both chosen as the mural artists for the Buck’s Backyard Mural Project at McCollum Hall by the City of Fort Myers Public Art Committee on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. Read More -
2020/2021 Business Directories Online
The Fort Myers CRA has created business directories for its redevelopment areas. They are available online. Read More -
CRA Supports Prestigious Edison Awards
Together with the Horizon Foundation, the City of Fort Myers, the Fort Myers CRA has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to support the Edison Universe. Read More -
Fort Myers CRA is Drop Off Location for School Mask Drive
The Fort Myers CRA is a Community Partner Drop Off Location for the School District of Lee County’s first Community Mask Drive! Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order Number 20-180
On July 29, Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-180 which extends for an additional 30 days prior orders providing for moratoriums on mortgage foreclosure and evictions. However, the order also amends prior orders. Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order Number 20-179
On July 29, Florida Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-179 which extends local government the authority to conduct business in virtual or telephonic form through September 1, 2020. Read More -
Cleveland Avenue Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Grants
The Fort Myers CRA is offering several Commercial Property Grants in the Cleveland Avenue redevelopment area. Receive up to $50,000 in grant funds! Read More -
COVID-19 Emergency Order 2020-09
On June 26, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), has issued Emergency Order 2020-09 which states that DBPR is suspending the “on premises” consumption of alcohol at bars statewide. Read More -
Enterprise Center Reopens with New COVID-19 Protocols
Southwest Florida Enterprise Center will reopen all of its public spaces in accordance with Florida's re-opening order. Deep cleaning, a social distancing plan, and ordering supplies for safe hygiene are protocols implemented in advance of opening day. Read More -
TIF Rebate Guidelines Updated
New criteria for the CRA's Tax Increment Rebate (TIF) Program were approved at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting on June 24, 2020. Read More -
CRA Offers Free Parking for Downtown Customers
Participating restaurants and retail shops will distribute parking vouchers to their customers to be used any time after 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order 20-139
Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order: On June 3, Governor DeSantis issued an executive order which allows Florida to enter Phase 2 Recovery and Reopening plan for all counties except Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Read More -
Business Resources in response to COVID-19 Impact
In Case You Need it: We have compiled a group of important sources for latest COVID-19 updates, responses, and post recovery information. Read More -
Businesses Moving Forward In Fort Myers Redevelopment Areas
This News Flash will let you know about businesses in our redevelopment areas that are open according to COVID-19 reopen guidelines and ready to serve you at this time. We recommend calling the businesses prior visiting them. Read More -
CRA Newsletters
Subscribe to the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) newsletters to keep up to date on the latest news! Read More -
Business Spotlight: Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls
Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls is in the Fort Myers business spotlight! Mason’s opened in January 2020 at 2122 First Street in the Downtown redevelopment area. Read More -
Governor's Plan for Reopening the State
Governor Ron DeSantis presented this slideshow to reopen the State of Florida. Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order 20-131
Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order: On May 22, Governor DeSantis directed an emergency order extending the opening of organized youth activities. Read More -
FGCU Coronavirus Economic Impact Study Report
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has published its Coronavirus Economic Impact Study results in this report. Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order 20-95
Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order: On April 6, Governor DeSantis directed an emergency order suspending the assessment and collection of taxation on all notes for employers who receive federal CARES Act money. Read More -
Announcing: 2019 Fort Myers CRA Annual Report
We are thrilled to deliver our 2019 Annual Report for your information. The CRA staff has worked diligently to produce a document that captures the activities of 2019 in a very professional well-crafted report. Read More -
COVID-19 Executive Order 20-91
Governor Ron DeSantis Executive Order: On April 1, Governor DeSantis directed Floridians to limit movements and personal interactions outside of their home. Read More -
McCollum Hall Update: Financing Secured, Performance Schedule & Consent to Lease Approved
McCollum Redevelopment Associates, LLC/Reva Development Corporation has secured financing to complete the restoration of historic McCollum Hall, a former dance hall and retail center in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. redevelopment area. Read More -
Connecting Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Project / Grant Application Submission Authorized by CRA Board
Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to apply for a $25,000 to enhance the safety and pedestrian experience through the deployment of meaningful asphalt art installations along the route of Walk Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Tour. Read More -
Fort Myers CRA Job Creation & Talent Attraction: 17 Candidates, $81,000 Grant Funds
The Fort Myers CRA Job Creation and Talent Attraction Program, a grant available to businesses in targeted industries, has welcomed a total of 17 candidates and a possible total of $81,000 to companies in targeted industries since December 2018. Read More -
One Allure TIF Agreement Amendment Approved by CRA Board of Commissioners
An amendment to the One Allure Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Rebate Agreement to extend the construction start date to July 1, 2020, was approved at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting on December 11. Read More -
Michele Hylton-Terry Appointed to FRA Board of Directors
Fort Myers CRA Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the Florida Redevelopment Association (FRA) on October 17, 2019, at the FRA’s Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida. Read More -
Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Tour App Available
Now Available for Free Download: The Fort Myers Dunbar Cultural Landmarks Tour on the Florida Stories app. Read More -
Antoine Williams Joins CRA as Assistant Director
Antoine Williams has joined the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) as Assistant Director. Read More -
MLK Royal Palm Gardens Apartments Approved for CRA Rebate
Royal Palm Gardens Apartments, a renovation of the already-established, 80-unit affordable housing community Jones Walker Palm Gardens Apartments, was approved for a tax increment rebate at the Fort Myers CRA Board of Commissioners meeting on October 23. Read More -
Downtown Hampton Inn Hotel Approved for CRA Rebate
Hampton Inn by Hilton Fort Myers, a four-story, 118-room hotel to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $1.9 million at the Fort Myers CRA Board of Commissioners meeting on September 25. Read More -
MLK St. Peter Claver Place Apartments Approved for CRA Rebate Approved for CRA Rebate
Phase I of St. Peter Claver Place Apartments, to be developed by National Development of America and the Diocese of Venice, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $4 million at the Fort Myers CRA Board of Commissioners meeting on September 25. Read More -
Silver Hills Apartments/Edwards Co. & Silver Hills Dev, Inc., Approved for CRA Rebate
Silver Hills at Fort Myers, a two-building, four-to-five-story luxury apartment community to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $12.96 million, at the CRA Board of Commissioners meeting on August 28. Read More -
Cheryl Thornton Earns FRA-RP Designation
CRA Fiscal Manager Cheryl Thornton has earned the Florida Redevelopment Association’s Redevelopment Professional (FRA-RP) designation. Read More -
Michele Hylton-Terry Presented with 2019 Economic Development Person of the Year
At the NAACP Freedom Fund Gala on Sept. 21, Master of Ceremonies Lee Pitts presented Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Executive Director Michele Hylton-Terry with the Lee Pitts Live 2019 Economic Development Person of the Year Award. Read More -
The Collaboratory: Propelling Midtown into the Future (Video)
The Collaboratory is southwest Florida’s first public sphere where people from different backgrounds, interests and areas of expertise exchange ideas—either in person or virtually worldwide through the ultra-high-speed Florida Lambda Rail network. Read More -
West End at City Walk To Begin Construction
West End at City Walk, the apartment component of West First Street’s City Walk project, will begin construction soon. Read More -
MLK Seaboard Waterside Apartments/Greenwald LLC Approved for CRA Rebate
Seaboard Waterside Apartments, an 8-story, 420-rental unit to be built in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (MLK) redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate of $11.48 million at the CRA Board of Commissioners meeting on July 17. Read More -
Luminary Hotel Topping Out Ceremony
Luminary Hotel & Co. celebrated a milestone on June 6, 2019, when its final structural beam was hoisted in place. Read More -
Downtown Vantage Lofts/DevMar Approved for CRA Rebate
Vantage Lofts, a luxury rental apartment complex to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for an increment rebate of $11.4 million, at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting on June 26. Read More -
Grand Central Update
The Grand Central apartments under construction and appear to be on pace for completion by March 2020. All Retail is completed and open for business. Read More -
New CFM Landscaping Plan for Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd
David M. Jones and Associates, Inc., Gregory J. Diserio, RLA, has worked with J.B. Schuetz, Parks and Beautification Manager with the City of Fort Myers, to create a new landscape design for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (State Road 82). Read More -
Holiday Inn Hotel/HIDEV Group LLC Approved for CRA Rebate
Holiday Inn, a 6-story, 135-room full-service hotel to be built in the Downtown redevelopment area, was approved for a tax increment rebate up to $3,300,000, at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting on May 22. Read More -
EFM Spotlight: Alma's Fashion Boutique, Inc.
This month's East Fort Myers redevelopment area spotlight is Alma's Fashion Boutique, Inc., dress and gown shop, located at 3623 Palm Beach Boulevard. View their video for more details! Read More -
FieldEdge Approved to Participate in CRA Job Program
FieldEdge, formerly dESCO, was approved to participate in the CRA Job Creation & Talent Attraction Program. FieldEdge is the company that invented service software for contractors. Read More -
Art Stumble 2020 Approved by CRA Board of Commissioners
Art Stumble 2020, a mural-painting project on the wall behind McCollum Hall and a corresponding event by the Fort Myers Mural Society, was approved at the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board of Commissioners meeting on December 11. Read More -
EFM Spotlight: La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop
This month's East Fort Myers redevelopment area spotlight is La Michoacana ice cream shop, located at 3629 Palm Beach Boulevard. View their video for more details! Read More -
Cheryl Thornton Joins Fort Myers CRA, Receives Promotion
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is proud to announce that Cheryl Vaughan Thornton, who joined the CRA in September 2018 as Community Redevelopment Manager, and was promoted to the role of Fiscal Manager for the Agency in March 2019. Read More -
The Truth About Community Redevelopment Agencies
These community-minded entities can be structured differently but have common goals. April 2019 Gulfshore Business article by Lori Johnston. Read More -
First Company Approved to Participate in CRA Job Program
The first company approved to participate in Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) Job Creation & Talent Attraction Program is Cigent Technology Inc. Read More -
More Than Just a Garden – Barden Street’s New Community Garden Selected for $13,000 Grant
On February 27, 2019, CRA commissioners approved a grant for up to $13,000 to complete the $246,000 Barden Street Community Garden Learning Center (BCG), requested by the I Will Mentorship Foundation. Read More -
EFM Spotlight: Andy's Mini Market & Grocery
This month's East Fort Myers redevelopment area spotlight is Andy's Mini Market & Grocery, located at 3805 Palm Beach Boulevard. View their video for more details! Read More -
Cleveland Avenue Medians Completed
Beautification of the medians and underneath the Colonial Boulevard overpass has been completed! Read More -
EFM Spotlight: El Caribe Latin Flavor Cuban Restaurant & Bakery
This month's East Fort Myers redevelopment area spotlight is El Caribe Latin Flavor Cuban Restaurant & Bakery, located at 3917 Palm Beach Boulevard. View their video for more details! Read More -
EFM Spotlight: Neenie's House
This month's East Fort Myers redevelopment area spotlight is Neenie's House, located at 481 Marsh Avenue. View their video for more details! Read More -
Sheryl Rea Joins Fort Myers CRA
The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is proud to announce that Sheryl Rea joined the CRA in January 2019 as Sr. Administrative Assistant. Read More -
CRA purchases Medical/Fire Rescue Utility Task Vehicle for Fort Myers River District Special Events
CRA Board approved the purchase of a customized Medical/Fire Rescue Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) for $26,000 using Downtown redevelopment area funds, to be used by the Fire Department to better navigate through the River District’s growing special events. Read More -
New Job Creation & Talent Attraction Program
The CRA’s program will incentivize the creation and retention of full-time employment within the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Areas by offering a grant payment to companies that create or relocate high wage full-time jobs within an area. Read More
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