FORT MYERS
Community
Redevelopment
Agency (CRA)
January 2026
From Parking Lot to Public Place: A New Gateway to Downtown
What was once an underutilized parking lot is now a welcoming gateway feature into the Downtown CRA. This new feature enhances walkability, adds green space, and creates a place to pause, connect, and enjoy our city. Projects like this support reinvestment, improve the public realm, and strengthen community pride-exactly the type of revitalization CRAs are designed to deliver.
This feature enhances quality of life, strengthens Downtown’s visual appeal, and supports economic activity by transforming underused space into an inviting, functional community asset. This reinvestment reinforces Downtown as a vibrant destination while advancing long-term redevelopment.
More Project Info
CRA Project Updates
PROJECT NAME: Innovation Walk
Overview: A placemaking initiative designed to reignite the legacy of innovation in Fort Myers, inspired by Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The walk will be an interactive experience highlighting the human genius, blending historical significance with future-forward thinking.
Current Status: Planning and Initial Implementation Phase
Key Milestones:
• March 2025: Reimagined Innovations for final site
• April 2025: “Blue Light” Model Demo at Edison Award
• April 2025: Updates to CRA Boards & Committees.
• May 2025: “Blue Light” pre-application meeting
• May 2025: RSQ to go live
• November 2025: Survey of Site Conducted
• November 2025: Test of Core Glow Substrate for “Blue Light”
• November 2025: Perkins&Will selected as design firm for Innovation Walk Master Plan
• January 2026: Negotiations begins with design firm
Next: Apply for construction permit for “Blue Light” installation
Community Impact: Creates an engaging public space that celebrates innovation, fosters community pride, and connects Fort Myers’ historical significance with its aspirations for the future.
More project info
PROJECT NAME: Uniform Bus Shelters
Overview: Well-maintained and uniform bus shelters can signal a commitment to qualify and order within the commercial corridor, potentially attracting new businesses and customers
There will be 9 bus shelters across our CRA. 5 in MLK, 3 in Cleveland, 1 in East Fort Myers
Current Status: Design and Permitting Phase
Next: Preconstruction
Community Impact: Enhances the overall aesthetic and professionalism of the streetscape
More Project info
PROJECT NAME: Caloosahatchee Bridge Lighting Project
Overview: The enhancements beneath the Caloosahatchee bridge are expected to be a tourist attraction while stimulating future development.
Current Status: Continue with design and review with other committees and FDOT.
Next: Approved by BOC, moving to the other committees for design input.
Community Impact: The enhancement will attract both visitors and residents to the downtown area.
More project info
PROJECT NAME: Underpass Improvement Project
Overview: The enhancements beneath the Caloosahatchee bridge are expected to be a tourist attraction while stimulating future development and attracting new investment to the area.
Current Status: Continue with design and review with other committees and FDOT.
Next: Approved by BOC, moving to the other committees for design input.
Community Impact: Attract both visitors and residents to the Downtown area, while improving safety.
More Project info
CRA Board Updates
CRA Board of Commissioner Meetings
9:00 a.m | 4th Wednesday of each month
CRA Advisory Board Meetings
5:00 p.m | 1st Wednesday of each month
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. * Disclaimer:
Meeting dates and times are subject to change. Please confirm with the CRA office if you have questions before attending.
• CRA approves Improvement Matching Grants for MLK
• CRA approves Improvement Matching Grants for Cleveland Ave.
• Get featured as a small business spotlight
UPCOMING EVENTS
CRA Town Halls are one-hour, quarterly meetings designed to share updates, gather meaningful input, and build shared understanding. Expect clear visuals, short presentations, interactive moments, and structured Q&A, focused on real projects, real constraints, and real outcomes.
CRA Town Halls are open to:
• Residents
• Business owners
• Community Partners
• Anyone interested in the future of our redevelopment areas
These meetings are hosted at the Fort Myers CRA Office, located at 1400 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901.
We look forward to learning with you, listening to you, and continuing to build strong, informed communities together!
RSVP TODAY
CPI MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM
Revitalize your property, enhance your curb appeal, and attract more customers with the Fort Myers CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Matching Grant (CPIMG) program!
Get More Info
This grant cycle is open from:
April 1 – April 30th, 2026
• Cleveland CRA
• Dr. MLK CRA
• Extended Downtown CRA
For more information >>Email Xavier Colon, [email protected]
Affordable Housing Update One of the most impactful ways CRA reinvestments work is by supporting affordable housing initiatives that provide safe, high-quality homes for individuals and families. Read the Spring 2025 overview here.
Read the Report Here
Imagine a city where every neighborhood is a beacon of growth and community spirit—a place where residents enjoy sustainable, thriving spaces and businesses benefit from a vibrant economic environment. This is the future the Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency is creating.
[§ 163.356, Fla. Stat.]
IMPORTANT LINKS
-Interactive Redevelopment Area Maps
-Upcoming CRA Meetings
-Redevelopment Plans
-Dr. MLK Redevelopment Plan Update
Imagining McCollum Hall Attorney Bruce Strayhorn.
McCollum Hall has stood for nearly a century as a beacon of community, creativity, and connection. The Fort Myers CRA is stepping forward to lead its restoration: directly, transparently, and with public trust at the center.
Voices from the community are sharing how they imagine the rebirth of McCollum Hall.
Imagining McCollum Hall
Read the 2024 Annual Report
Per Florida Statutes S.163.356(3)(c), our CRA must produce a report of its activities for the preceding fiscal year and shall include a complete financial statement setting forth its assets, liabilities, income, and operating expenses as of the end of such fiscal year.
2024 Annual Report
*Since 1984, the CRA has managed redevelopment trusts to revitalize blighted areas in the City of Fort Myers. This reinvestment can take the form of public infrastructure, residential and commercial grant programs, placemaking initiatives, affordable housing development, safety initiatives, and historic preservation.
1400 Jackson Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901
www.fortmyerscra.com
[email protected]
239-321-7100