Central Florida Regional Planning Council

Central Florida Regional Planning Council

Serving DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee and Polk Counties

Agencies Partner to Provide Economic Recovery and Resiliency Resources

Local, State, and Federal agencies partnered on February 15, 2018, to bring a training opportunity to the community leaders in Highlands and Polk Counties. The workshops emphasized best practices and resources for economic recovery following a disaster.

Hosted by the CFRPC in partnership with the Highlands Economic Development Commission, the Florida Small Business Development Center, and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the event helped community leaders learn more what their role should be and how to prioritize actions for short and long-term recovery. Federal, state and IEDC officials presented information about state, federal and private sector resources that are available to assist. The interactive workshop provided participants with practical tools and inspiring examples to support critical economic recovery and long-term resiliency activities.

This workshop was one of several being conducted throughout the State in partnership with the Florida Regional Councils Association (FRCA), Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and federal partners, and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

South Florida Avenue Charrette and Master Plan Recognized with Award

The South Florida Avenue (SR 37) Charrette and Master Plan received the “Plan It Award” at the annual meeting of the Heart of Florida Section of the American Planning Association Florida Chapter on February 9, 2018. This award is given to planning documents, studies, reports, or analyses that reflect sound planning principles and that have been adopted by a public agency for use in a local jurisdiction.

The Florida Department of Transportation, District 1 (FDOT), in collaboration with the Central Florida Regional Planning Council, supported by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council staff, and the City of Lakeland, entered into an agreement to study and implement ways to improve mobility, quality of life, and economic vitality along the South Florida Avenue (SR 37) corridor between Ariana Street and Pine Street in Lakeland, Florida.  A significant public involvement process, which included a “Complete Streets” public design charrette was conducted, and an economic development analysis and detailed traffic study on South Florida Avenue to assist FDOT in accomplishing the goal of promoting safety, quality of life, and economic development were prepared.  In addition, the Master Plan provides options and improvements that are market-based realities supported by the Market Overview which considers growth potential and impediments to housing, employment, and retail, as well as other factors.

Hurricane Recovery Links

As our region works to address the immediate needs of the community after Hurricane Irma, we have compiled a list of resources that may be helpful.

  • We will continue to update and add to this list as resources become available.
  • If you would like us to add additional resources, please email Marybeth Soderstrom.
  • Please feel free to share on your website and social media accounts.

View the Resource List

Dundee Visioning Workshop Scheduled for May 19

Notice is hereby given that the third Community Visioning Workshop held by the Town of Dundee and facilitated by the Central Florida Regional Planning Council will occur on Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., at the Dundee Community Center, 603 Lake Marie Boulevard, Dundee, Florida.

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