Council clarifies CRA boundaries, schedules South Brooksville discussion for CRA board

Staff explained that Brooksville maintains multiple CRAs with separate budgets and boundaries: the original downtown CRA (Fund 615), a 2024 expansion (Fund 616), and a forthcoming South Brooksville CRA with its own fund. Mayor (S1) and staff stressed CRA dollars may be used only for addresses inside the specific district and cannot be transferred between CRAs.

Council agreed to table detailed CRA CIP items—including a proposed entertainment district—so the CRA board can consider them at a special CRA meeting on Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Councilmembers said the separate CRA structure addresses fairness concerns from business owners who petitioned to be included in the expanded district, but noted strict state rules govern permissible CRA uses and the cap on reimbursements for any single property.

The council’s motion to move CRA CIP items to the CRA board was adopted by consensus to ensure the redevelopment plan and proposed grant uses are vetted by the advisory board and staff before any budget action.