Charlotte Harbor CRA

About the CRA

Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) was established by the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners by Resolution 92-251 on November 3rd, 1992 by way of Florida Statute 163.356. Since then, a linear park along the shore of Charlotte Harbor on Bayshore Drive has been completed and a new bridge has been built on Melbourne Street with decorative lighting in place. Central sewer and water lines have been installed setting the stage for opportunities for private investment. Specific architectural standards continue to enhance the historic character of the area and encourage pedestrian-friendly development. View More History

Public Purpose Statement: Revitalize the Charlotte Harbor area by promoting the ambiance of an old Florida waterfront community with its tree canopy.

Charlotte Harbor CRA Data Dashboard:  Access key demographics, business, and housing data through the interactive data dashboard by clicking here.

Interactive Boundary Map

Recent Development

Sunseeker Resort - Sunseeker Florida, Inc. (Sunseeker) has purchased approximately 22 acres of land along the Peace River within Charlotte Harbor CRA for the development of Sunseeker Resort. The planned resort will have a combination of approximately 700 guest rooms and suites, 60,000 square feet of event space, and 20 original food and beverage concepts. The resort’s luxury amenities include a spa and salon, fitness center, guest pools, and golf outings. Additionally, the development will include an elevated pedestrian promenade along the riverfront that will be publicly accessible and connect to Bayshore Live Oak Park and other public access points. For construction progress updates and news, click here. For more information about Sunseeker Resort, visit the Sunseeker web page.

Specialty Restaurants Development - On September 14, 2021, Specialty Restaurants and the Charlotte Harbor CRA agreed on the purchase and sale of CRA-owned property at 5000 Tamiami Trail to be the site of a new Whiskey Joe’s brand restaurant. Plans for the development include the restaurant with its traditional indoor/outdoor seating, an open-air palapa bar, beach volleyball, and other outdoor amenities. As part of the sale, Specialty Restaurants will provide public pedestrian access along the riverfront and a vehicular access connection to the park at Live Oak Point. 
Current project status:  Planning and design
For more information about Specialty Restaurants and the Whiskey Joe’s brand, click here.

Harpoon Harry's Restaurant and Retail Development - Harpoon Harry’s will be relocating to a standalone site on Bayshore Road in Charlotte Harbor.  The anticipated development will include a 34,700 square foot restaurant and 24,600 square feet of retail space, along with its associated parking and necessary stormwater retention and natural resources protection.
Current project status:  Planning and design
For more information about Harpoon Harry’s, click here.

Riverwalk (Project Section formerly known as Harbor Walk Phase 1A) - Live Oak Point – The Florida Association of County Engineers and Road Superintendents (FACERS) selected Live Oak Point as the recipient of the FACERS 2017 Local Agency/State Agency Collaboration Project of the Year. The project, according to Rebecca Price, FACERS Awards Chair, "is a wonderful example of how local agencies work hard to improve their communities." The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners dedicated the newly named Live Oak Point on June 2, 2016.

Riverwalk (Project Section formerly known as Harbor Walk Phase 2) - Includes the purchase of the property located at the corner of Melbourne Street and US-41. This phase was funded by the 2015-2020 1% Local Sales Tax Option initiative. The property will allow for improved access to Live Oak Point, and the remainder of the property is expected to be included in upcoming private development. The property was purchased in September 2016.

Parmley Street Improvements - The Charlotte Harbor CRA has approved a FY2022-23 Capital Improvements Project to begin the design of improvements at Parmely Street. The design will consider widening and realignment of Parmely Street itself within its right-of-way, construction of a multi-use path, and necessary drainage improvements.  
Current project status:  Design
Anticipated design completion:  Summer 2023
Anticipated start of construction:  Fall 2023

Melbourne Street Multi-Use Path - The Charlotte Harbor CRA has approved a FY2022-23 Capital Improvements Project to begin the design of a new multi-use pathway at Melbourne Street from US-41 to Harborview Road. 
Current project status:  Design
Anticipated design completion:  Summer 2023
Anticipated start of construction:  Fall 2023

Public Parking Improvements and Riverwalk Connection at Bayshore Live Oak Park - The Charlotte Harbor CRA has approved a FY2022-23 Capital Improvements Project to begin the design and subsequent construction of a new stabilized grass parking lot and pedestrian promenade connection at the east boundary of Bayshore Live Oak Park. The proposed parking area will service the public, and the pedestrian promenade connection will provide public pedestrian access from Bayshore Live Oak Park to the public riverfront access walkway at Sunseeker Resort.
Current project status:  Design
Anticipated design completion:  Fall 2022
Anticipated start of construction:  Fall 2022

To review the preliminary project site plans that were presented at the July 26, 2022 Board of County Commissioners meeting, click here.

Charlotte Harbor Community Development Code - On November 22, 2016 the Board of County Commissioners adopted the proposed changes to the County's Zoning District Regulations specific to Charlotte Harbor CRA. Click the following link to view. Charlotte Harbor Community Development Code
 

Administrative Information

• Charlotte County Resolution 92-251: Creation of Charlotte Harbor CRA
• Governing Board Members
• Ethics
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 189: Uniform Special District Accountability Act
• Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III: Community Redevelopment
• Charlotte Harbor CRA Boundaries Legal Description
• Local Government Financial Reporting: Florida Department of Financial Services
• Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Plan (adopted Jan 24, 2006; revised Jan 25, 2022)
   

Budget and Financial Information

• Florida Department of Financial Services - Local Government Financial Reporting
• Fiscal Year 2021-22 Budget
• Fiscal Year 2020-21 Annual Financial Report
• Fiscal Year 2020-21 Charlotte Harbor CRA Revenue Information
   

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