Serving DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee and Polk Counties

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Highlights from the August 9, 2017 CFRPC Council Meeting

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)

  • The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a five-year strategy for the region that is developed and maintained by the CFRPC. View the presentation.
  • An update of the CEDS has been reviewed by the CEDS Committee and is ready to be posted for public comment and submittal to the Economic Development Administration (EDA). View the draft document here.
  • MOTION: To approve the draft CEDS for public comment and submission to EDA carried unanimously.

RESOLUTION 2017-8A POLK TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (TPO) JOINT PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT (JPA)

MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2017-8A to update an existing ongoing agreement with the Polk Transportation Planning Organization to review, participate in and serve as the regional review clearinghouse for projects and establishes a cooperative relationship carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION SUBMITTALS AND AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE CONTRACTS AND ADMINISTER AGREEMENTS

  • The Avon Park Air Force Range has been identified as having one of the most successful Joint Land Use Studies (JLUS) in the country due to the support of the surrounding local governments and partner agencies.
  • MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2017-8B to authorize staff to apply for FY 2018-19 Florida Defense Support Task Force (FDSTF) grant funding to implement the Avon Park Air Force Range Sentinel Landscape Program, and move to approve a contract with DEO and authorize Executive Director to execute and administer grant agreement if awarded grant carried unanimously.

COMPETITIVE FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS

  • In 2016-17, the CFRPC facilitated the designation of the City of Frostproof and Polk City as Competitive Florida Communities through the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).
  • Through this program, the CFRPC has been able to assist these municipalities to identify strategies to build and enhance their local economies while staying true to what makes them unique and give them a competitive advantage. Learn more.
  • Both current Competitive Florida Partnership grant awardees, Cities of Frostproof and Polk City, have applied for a second-year grant. The funding is competitive and both cities are required to participate in the interview process for each year of grant funding.

UPDATE ON THE HEARTLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (HRTPO)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

  • The FRCA Policy Board Meeting was held in July in conjunction with the Florida Association of Counties annual meeting.
  • The Council was asked to be a United Way Pacesetter, so staff will be conducting their campaign in August.
  • The City of Bartow awarded the Council with their monthly “Beautification Award” for the Florida Friendly landscape improvements, and will have the sign outside the front of the office for the next few weeks.
  • CFRPC Deputy Director Jennifer Codo-Salisbury was selected for the next Leadership Polk Class XI

 

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30 am on October 11, 2017, in Okeechobee County in the Board of County Commission Chambers.

View the Council Meeting Documents page for Agendas, Minutes, Presentations and upcoming meeting information.

In 2016-17, the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) facilitated the designation of the City of Frostproof and Polk City as Competitive Florida Communities through the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO). Through this program, the CFRPC has been able to assist these municipalities to identify strategies to build and enhance their local economies while staying true to what makes them unique and give them a competitive advantage.

The City of Frostproof launched Frostproof on the Move, a collaborative effort that enabled the City to identify key community assets and set goals to implement an economic vision and strategy for the City. Through community conversations, surveys, and a public workshop, information was collected from citizens, local businesses, and service organizations to shape the economic vision and strategy.

In Polk City, a mini-grant was awarded to further implement the recently adopted Polk City Vision Plan using innovative planning tools to enhance the local economy. A comprehensive GIS mapping database of all developed and developable commercial and industrial properties as well as an inventory of all vacant developable lands in the City was created. A familiarization tour was also hosted to gather input from local and regional business leaders to create an economic development information package. And, in June of 2017 the CFRPC and Polk City facilitated the first WaterWise Expo to inform the community on best practices in water conservation and low impact development (LID). The expo had a special focus on the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern as the City is located in this important water resource area.

2018-2022 Public Open House Workshops – Postponed

The Public Workshops scheduled for September (see below) will be rescheduled for a later date due to the potential of Hurricane Irma impacting the state.  This will allow individuals to focus on preparing their communities and families for the storm.  The Office of Greenways and Trails will send out more information once new dates have been confirmed. 

The Florida Greenways and Trails System (FGTS) Plan 2013-2017 established the vision for implementing a connected statewide system of greenways and trails for recreation, conservation, alternative transportation, healthy lifestyles, a vibrant economy, and a high quality of life.

The Office of Greenways and Trails (OGT) is updating the FGTS 5-Year Plan and holding 14 public open houses throughout the state. The purpose of these meetings is to receive public input on the proposed update to the draft written 2018-2022 FGTS Plan and Land and Water Opportunity and Priority Maps. Please plan to join us at a location close to you.

If you are unable to participate in person, there are opportunities to provide written comments by e-mail or conventional mail. We will accept public comments through November 30, 2017.

Click here for more information including the draft plan, maps, and contact information. 

The Open House schedule is:

Tuesday, September 5 – Marianna
Jackson County Citizens’ Lodge
4574 Lodge Drive, Marianna, Florida 32446
4:00-7:00 CT

Wednesday, September 6 – Port St. Joe POSTPONED

St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Center

3915 State Road 30-A, Port St. Joe, FL 32456

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Thursday, September 7 – Milton POSPONED

Blackwater Heritage State Trail-Visitor Center

5533 Alabama Street, Milton, FL 32570

4:00-7:00 CT

 

Monday, September 11 – Sebring  POSTPONED

Bert J. Harris, Jr. Agricultural Center, Conference Room #2

4509 George Boulevard, Sebring, FL 33875

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Tuesday, September 12 – Port St. Lucie POSTPONED

St. Lucie Transportation Planning Organization, Coco Vista Center

466 SW Port St Lucie Blvd. #111, Port St. Lucie, FL 34953

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Wednesday, September 13 – Hialeah POSTPONED

Milander Center for Arts & Entertainment, Garden Plaza Hall

4800 Palm Ave, Hialeah, FL 33012

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Thursday, September 14 – North Port POSTPONED

Morgan Family Community Center, Meeting Room A/B

6207 West Price Boulevard, North Port, FL 34291

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Friday, September 15 – Temple Terrace POSTPONED

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southwest District

13051 N Telecom Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL 33637

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Monday, September 18 – DeBary POSTPONED

Debary Hall

198 Sunrise Boulevard, DeBary, FL 32713

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Tuesday, September 19 – Jacksonville POSTPONED

Ed Ball Building, Conference Room 851

214 N Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Monday, September 25 – Palatka POSTPONED

Ravine State Gardens

1600 Twigg Street, Palatka, FL 32177

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Tuesday, September 26 – Dunnellon POSTPONED

Historic Train Depot

12061 S. Williams Street, Dunnellon, FL 34432

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Wednesday, September 27 – Tallahassee POSTPONED

Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Douglas Building, Conference Room A

3900 Commonwealth Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32399

4:00-7:00 ET

 

Thursday, September 28 – Live Oak POSTPONED

Suwannee River Water Management District, Suwannee Room

9225 County Road 49, Live Oak, FL 32060

4:00-7:00 ET

The Central Florida region was significantly impacted by three hurricanes in 2004 including Hurricanes Charley, Jeanne and Frances. Thousands of Central Florida residents and businesses were displaced due to the hurricanes, and the situation was exacerbated by existing zoning regulations in which recreational vehicles, manufactured and mobile homes, and manufactured buildings were not permitted uses in several zoning districts for even temporary accommodations during recovery periods.

Through a grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the Central Florida Regional Planning Council (CFRPC) worked with the five counties of DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee and Polk and the 25 municipalities within these counties to analyze the existing land development regulations (LDRs) and draft new regulations to address the needs of citizens, businesses, and local governments after a disaster.

The CFRPC is currently coordinating with the counties and municipalities throughout the region to amend their respective regulations allowing for temporary accommodations. These efforts will speed the rebuilding efforts, and help to sustain the economic viability of a community after a disaster.

WaterWise_Expo

Saturday, June 10, 2017
10:00am to 1:00pm

Join Polk City for a FREE event featuring exhibits, giveaways, and informational presentations on all things water! Let’s learn how to conserve our natural resources while saving money.

Donald Bronson Community Center – 124 Bronson Trail, Polk City, FL 33868

Presentations:

10:15am Conserving Water, One Drop at a Time
presented by: Southwest Florida Water Management District

10:45am It’s Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season
presented by: Polk County

11:15am Why Use Florida Friendly Landscaping?
presented by: UF Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS)

11:45am Mosquito Control and Zika Virus Prevention
presented by: Polk County Mosquito Control

12:15pm The Green Swamp
presented by: Central Florida Regional Planning Council

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Statute 286.26, persons with disabilities needing special accommodations to participate in the proceedings should contact Polk City, 123 Broadway Blvd SE in Polk City, Florida, (863) 984-1375 extension 238, no later than 48 hours prior to the proceedings.

Download/View a printable event flyer
WaterWise_Expo-flyer

From Blight to Right: Brownfields Transformation

This year’s FREE symposium has expanded to include  all o f South Florida! We invite you to come and learn about grants, loans, cleanup, and successful Brownfield sites.

View Symposium Agenda and Information

Who Should Attend:
Developers, investors, commercial real estate professionals, government, engineers and other interested  parties

When:
June 7-8, 2017

June 9: Sebring International Raceway is offering an optional raceway esperience, on your own. Details to follow.

Location:
Chateau Elan, Hotel and Conference Center
Midway Drive, Sebring, FL 33870

REGISTER NOW!

Discounted Hotel Rates:
The hotel is offering discounted rates for the Symposium. Reservations will close on May 19. To make a reservation, call 1-863-655-7200.

VIEW SYMPOSIUM AGENDA & INFORMATION

Highlights from the April 12, 2017 Council Meeting at the Hardee County Civic Center

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HARDEE COUNTY ACTIVITIES

  • Hardee County Administrator Lex Albritton reported on current activities in Hardee County.
  • He highlighted the new and renovated facilities and economic development activities in Hardee County include the opening of Caresink Company, the construction of the new 35-million-dollar Florida Hospital, and the Mosaic Company Ona Phosphate Mine that is currently under County review.

UPDATE ON DESOTO COUNTY TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED (TD) DESIGNATED OFFICIAL PLANNING AGENCY (DOPA) TRANSITION

  • At the November 2016 Council meeting, a resolution was adopted by the Council in support of serving as the transportation disadvantaged planning agency for DeSoto County if approved by the TD Commission.
  • On March 14, 2017, the TD Commission designated the CFRPC as the DOPA for DeSoto County starting July 1, 2017.

RESOLUTIONS RELATING TO THE SUBMITTAL OF TRANSPORTATION DISADVANTAGED 2017-2018 PLANNING GRANTS AND FTA RURAL TRANSIT FUNDS

  • MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2017-4A in support of submitting the TD Planning grant for Hardee, Highlands and Okeechobee Counties carried unanimously.
  • MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2017-4B in support of submitting the TD Planning grant for DeSoto County carried unanimously.
  • MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2017-4C in support of submitting the FTA Section 5311 Operating Funds for DeSoto County carried unanimously.
  • MOTION: To adopt Resolution 2017-4D authorizing the Council to enter into the interlocal agreement with DeSoto County to administer the remaining FTA funds until a new JPA can be entered into between the Council and FDOT carried unanimously.

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS) AND STATE OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY

  • The Council was briefed on current economic indicators for the State of Florida. View the presentation.
  • The Council is responsible for producing and maintaining a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The performance measures in the CEDS are updated annually along with other minor updates, and a major update occurs every five years. A timeline for this five-year CEDS update was presented. View the presentation.

UPDATE ON THE HEARTLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (HRTPO)

  • HRTPO activities underway include:
    • Developing a Congestion Management Process (CMP)
    • Transit Development Plan (TDP) for Highlands County
    • FDOT Project Priority Applications have been received from local governments, reviewed for sufficiency, and forwarded to FDOT to be considered for inclusion in their Five Year Work Program. The project application’s preliminary rankings will be presented to the HRTPO Board at their meeting on April 19, 2017.
    • A new Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is under development
  • The staff was visited recently by a representative from the Federal Highway Administration to review HRTPO work products.

PRESENTATION ON GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS) SERVICES

  • CFRPC Senior Planner Jeff Schmucker reported on the diverse types of GIS services provided to local governments in the region, including spatial/geographic analysis and 3D visualization. These maps are used for Comprehensive Plans, Zoning and for Special Projects within the region. View the presentation.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

  • The status of current legislative activities, including the Community Development Agency (CRA) Bill and the Small Cell or Cell Tower Bill were discussed.
  • Staff reported that the South Florida Avenue (SR37) project in Lakeland and the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) Implementation grant were recently completed.
  • Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA)
    • Activities of FRCA may be found in the Monthly Activity Report included in the meeting materials.
    • Pat Steed shared her anticipated attendance at the FRCA Executive Directors’ meeting in Tallahassee later in the week.

The next meeting of the CFRPC will be at 9:30am on June 14, 2017 in Highlands County at CareerSource Heartland.

View the Council Meeting Documents page for Agendas, Minutes, Presentations and upcoming meeting information.

Please join the Heartland Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Polk Transportation Planning Organization for a training session with FDOT District 1 Freight Coordinator Keith Robbins to learn more about distribution and freight as it relates to the economic development of our communities in inland Florida.

Economic Development and Freight Transportation Training

3 AICP CM Credits Pending

Tuesday, April 25, 2017 | 9 am – Noon

South Florida State College

Building G, Room 101 | 600 West College Drive Avon Park, FL 33825

(Park in lots C,D, or E)

This Training Includes:

  • Distribution and Transportation Overview
  • Challenges in International Transportation
  • Integrating Freight into Transportation Planning
  • I-4 Corridor, A Freight Perspective
  • US 27 Corridor

Attendees will hear practical illustrations and examples of addressing some of the challenges to freight transportation in today’s world and gain a broad understanding of the:

  • Role of transportation and distribution in the logistics arena
  • Importance of this industry and the impact of freight in our daily lives
  • Broad trends affecting freight transportation along with the challenges and success factors for integrating freight into traditional transportation planning

Please share this training opportunity with economic development professionals, private sector business leaders, planning professionals, or anyone interested in learning more about freight transportation.