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Council and staff eye Midtown, FGCU partnership and City of Palms terms as downtown catalysts
Summary
Council discussed targeting downtown and Midtown redevelopment — including exploring a partnership with FGCU, moving forward on potential City of Palms / USL terms, and evaluating incentives to attract specific business types.
Staff presented strategic focus areas for FY26, highlighting downtown and Midtown redevelopment opportunities and potential partnerships with Florida Gulf Coast University to locate programs in Midtown. The city is evaluating a mixed‑use catalyst project at the News‑Press site and continuing negotiations on a proposed City of Palms stadium redevelopment and potential USL terms.
Council members discussed targeted incentive policies, fast‑track permitting and corridor investment (U.S. 41, MLK and Fowler) as tools to attract higher‑wage employers and catalyze private investment downtown. "We want to offer incentives only for the type of business we want or need," staff said, noting an incentive policy is on the department list for further development. Council also discussed closing downtown streets on weekends as a pilot to boost restaurants and pedestrian activity.
