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.

Interactive Boundary Map

Recent Development

Sunseeker Resort - On December 15, 2023, Sunseeker Resort officially opened its doors and welcomed guests and visitors to enjoy its hotel rooms and suits, event space, bars, restaurants, and dining hall.  The resort’s luxury amenities include a spa and salon, fitness center, guest pools, and golf outings. Additionally, the development includes 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 more information about Sunseeker Resort, visit the Sunseeker web page.

Specialty Restaurants Development - On January 10, 2024, Specialty Restaurants hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for construction of their new Whiskey Joe’s Restaurant location at 5000 Tamiami Trail.  This exciting event was the result of Specialty Restaurants’ purchase of CRA-owned property in 2022.  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.  To view video footage of the groundbreaking ceremony, click here.
Current project status:  Construction
For more information about Specialty Restaurants and the Whiskey Joe’s brand, click here.

Future Projects

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:  Winter 2023
Anticipated start of construction:  Winter 2024

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 2024
Anticipated start of construction:  Winter 2024

Completed Projects

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.

Public Parking Improvements and Riverwalk Connection at Bayshore Live Oak Park - The project included 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.  Project completion: December 2023.

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
• Florida Commission on Ethics - Ethics Laws
• Florida Statutes, Chapter 189: Uniform Special District Accountability Act
• Florida Statutes Chapter 163, Part III: Community Redevelopment
• Charlotte Harbor CRA Boundaries Legal Description
• Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Plan (adopted Jan 24, 2006; revised Jan 25, 2022)

Budget and Financial Information

Charlotte County Fiscal Years begin on October 1 and end September 30.

• Florida Department of Financial Services - Local Government Financial Reporting
• Fiscal Year 2021-22 Annual Financial Report
• Fiscal Year 2022-23 Charlotte Harbor CRA Revenue Information
• Fiscal Year 2023-24 Adopted Budget

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