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Bradenton CRA reports surge in grant activity, turns to police to cover security while seeking new vendor
Summary
CRA staff told the board that grant applications are up 180%, with $727,000 in approved project investment and CRA matching about 44%. The board approved temporarily using off‑duty police for CRA security while staff seeks a new contracted provider and discussed pursuing EPA brownfields and other federal grants.
The Community Redevelopment Agency reported a sharp rise in grant activity and will temporarily use off‑duty police to cover security details while staff seeks a new contracted security provider, CRA staff told the board.
CRA staff said applications are up 180% this year, with 21 grants in various stages and a total project investment for approved projects of $727,000; CRA grants fund about 44% of that amount. The agency noted heavy application volume from the Tamiami Trail area, which accounts for roughly half of recent grant submissions and a large share of allocated funding.
Staff described an interim security plan after deciding to phase out the current provider. Lieutenant Christopher Hayes of the police department explained the backup approach: "So our plan would be if we can't fill the off duty detail, then we would contact our watch commander at night. And, we would give them a list of what the security company is doing at this time, location checks. And the officers would potentially take check those locations between calls for service." CRA staff said the police department will help vet a new security vendor and that purchasing will manage a formal procurement when ready.
Staff also briefed the board on other redevelopment work and grant strategies. The CRA is adding money to the Tamiami Trail grant fund to meet demand; a market analysis contract with Mr. Ioboni is underway; the Singing River project design was approved to keep the project moving; and the agency is seeking bids to renovate the East Bradenton Police Center, with an estimated renovation cost of $70,000 to $100,000.
The CRA discussed pursuing federal Environmental Protection Agency grants for brownfield assessment, cleanup, revolving loan funds and related redevelopment planning. Staff said grant‑writing costs for these federal applications commonly run about $15,000 and recommended asking city council to authorize a higher purchasing threshold for grant writing so the CRA can contract experienced writers quickly.
Board members asked for regular updates on the security transition and on grant pipeline metrics. Staff said they will return with recommended procurement language, carryover items to fund high‑priority projects and a prioritized list of additional investments for CRA funds.
