Dania Beach CRA reports business activity, programs and a hiring freeze in monthly administrative update

Executive Director Candida Sosa Cruz delivered the administrative report at the Dania Beach CRA meeting on June 9, highlighting recent outreach, programming and operational updates.

Sosa Cruz described conversations at a recent alliance mid‑year luncheon where staff heard from corporate leaders about regional growth; she said alliance representatives signaled potential interest from two parties—one aviation and one cruise‑related—in the former Spirit building, and that attorneys are coordinating around the building’s bankruptcy status. She framed this as an early, interest‑level outreach effort and said the CRA is awaiting further contact.

Staff also noted attendance at a grand opening for Benjamin Moore Luminous at 15 South Federal Highway (an event promoted by the Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce) and the launch of a June merchant newsletter, led by Javaka/Jvaka, which features summer promotional ideas and an early‑stage Dania Beach Art Week effort to coordinate businesses and cultural activities.

Program updates included home beautification figures (five homes completed under the rebuilding together contract; seven on the wait list; eight pending) and the Safe at Home program (about 45 homes completed toward a year‑end goal of 50). Staff reported recent activity at the community garden (the Patch), volunteer partnerships, and upcoming community events and workshops.

Sosa Cruz told the board that a candidate previously selected to fill the CRA director position would not be hired at this time; the position will remain frozen for at least a year due to uncertainty related to changes in homestead exemption and the CRA’s financial outlook, with the executive director continuing to cover duties.

The meeting’s consent agenda was moved by Board member Llewellyn, seconded and approved unanimously.