FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2023) –The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has approved funding for two downtown businesses as part of their improvement matching grants.
Voodoo Brewing, founded in 2005 in Meadville, PA and known for their award-winning craft beers, has now expanded to multiple taprooms across the country including Fort Myers. Located at 2400 First St., Unit 100, the company has been approved for the not-to-exceed amount of $34,520 for eligible expenditures. Owners Mashelle and Keith Towles will use the funds to improve the exterior with patching and painting, prep and repair all wood for painting, new lighting for the exterior, adding planter boxes, adding vintage tin under the awning and adding brick covering to the outdoor eating area.
Yurstore, Inc, a branded merchandise provider located at 2345 Dr. MLK Blvd. Fort Myers, has been awarded in the not-to-exceed amount of $50,00 for eligible expenditures. Owner Kyle Campbell will replace garage doors and windows above the bay doors with the grant.
The CRA Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program is a matching grant for commercial property owners and businesses within Fort Myers redevelopment areas. The maximum potential grant available for a project is 50 percent of the total project cost, with a maximum award of $200,000. The Fort Myers CRA has offered commercial preservation incentives/grant programs since 2010 and grant awards are based on the availability of funds.
More information on the CRA’s Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program can be found at https://www.fortmyerscra.com/incentives/commercial-property-improvement-matching-grant
ABOUT THE FORT MYERS COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA)
Since 1984, the CRA has managed redevelopment trusts to revitalize blighted areas in the City of Fort Myers. This reinvestment can take the form of public infrastructure, residential and commercial grant programs, public arts, affordable housing development, safety initiatives and historic preservation.
If left under-resourced, parts of our city risk remaining overlooked, affecting community spirit, and slowing economic growth. This lack of redevelopment doesn’t just impact current residents—it also discourages potential new businesses and families from making our city their home. Imagine a city where every neighborhood is a beacon of growth and community spirit—a place where residents enjoy sustainable, thriving spaces and businesses benefit from a vibrant economic environment. This is the future we’re creating. The Fort Myers Community Redevelopment Agency was created in 1984 by the City of Fort Myers, Florida, under Florida Statute Chapter 163. The Fort Myers City Council members, sitting as the Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Commissioners, oversee the Agency’s programs and policies. The Fort Myers CRA office is located at 1400 Jackson Street in the historical downtown River District.
