Submitted By: Charlita Whitehead
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Commercial Property Improvement Grant for Parcel 22780-002-00, for Phase One in Fiscal Year 2025-26, in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and for Phase Two in Fiscal Year 2026-27, in an amount not to exceed $50,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub, Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The West Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Commercial Property Improvement Grant supports new construction and a range of exterior improvements to enhance corridor vitality and attract business investment. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information:
The applicant has submitted two grant applications for a single redevelopment project to be completed over two fiscal years. The project will develop a vacant 1.25-acre parcel along SW 27th Avenue by constructing an approximately 16,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility for World Electric. The phased approach allows the project to proceed according to its construction schedule, with two grant applications: Phase One funded in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and Phase Two in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Project Summary:
Grant IDs: CRA26-0042 & CRA26-0043
Applicant: Firefly Property Group, LLC
Applicant Representative: Thomas Burket
Address: N/A - Vacant parcel located along SW 27th Avenue
Parcel ID: 22780-002-00
Phase One (CRA26-0042)
Scope of Work: Site development improvements including clearing, grading, stormwater infrastructure, utility infrastructure, pavement improvements, sidewalks, striping, signage, and related site preparation activities.
High Quote: $447,458.70
Low Quote: $446,795.25
Total Recommended Award: Not to exceed $50,000
Phase Two (CRA26-0043)
Scope of Work: Construction of the primary structure. The quoted amounts pertain to the installation of the warehouse foundation, structural components, and associated improvements.
High Quote: $365,720
Low Quote: $361,500
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $50,000
World Electric is a full-line distributor serving electrical contractors, industrial, and commercial markets. The company is expanding its operations by establishing its first location in Ocala and within the West Ocala CRA subarea. The proposed 16,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility will allow the company to serve the Ocala market from a local distribution center rather than its existing Tampa facility. The project expands commercial services within the redevelopment area while supporting private investment, business growth, and future economic activity.
Maximum Grant Amount: $50,000 per application, reimbursing up to 75 percent of eligible project costs.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review:
Staff verified that the property is located within the West Ocala CRA and that the proposed improvements are eligible under the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program. The project consists of new commercial construction on a vacant parcel and will not begin prior to CRA Board consideration. The redevelopment will activate a currently vacant property, increase taxable value, and support commercial investment within the redevelopment area.
• Per the CRA grant program guidelines, the applicant is not permitted to begin the project without CRA Board approval. Because this project will be developed in two phases, each addressing separate and distinct eligible items, staff proposes considering both requests now to allow the applicant to begin both phases as soon as possible.
• The CRA has approved multiple phases and corresponding awards when subsequent grant submittals are allowed, in cases where the applicant is making a significant investment in the property and is requesting expedited approvals to avoid construction delays.
• The applicant is requesting funding approval for both phases to ensure the project can be completed as quickly as possible, thereby supporting its overall feasibility.
Scope of Work and Project Costs Review:
Staff reviewed the contractor proposals submitted for CRA26-0042 and CRA26-0043.
• Phase One (CRA26-0042): Site Improvements - The proposed project costs are estimated between $446,795.25 to $447,458.70. The proposals include substantially the same site development improvements consisting of mobilization, clearing and grubbing, erosion and sediment control, demolition, earthwork and grading, stormwater infrastructure, sanitary sewer, domestic water, fire line infrastructure, concrete site improvements, asphalt paving, striping and signage, and related site preparation activities. While the contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail, staff finds the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work.
• Phase Two (CRA26-0043): Building Construction - The proposed project costs are estimated between $361,500 to $365,720. The proposals include construction of the warehouse foundation, including slab-on-grade, continuous perimeter footings, stem walls, spread footings, cast-in-place piers, reinforcing steel, vapor barrier, grading, and related foundation construction activities. While the contractors describe the work using different methodologies and levels of detail, staff finds the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work.
Site Visit Review:
Staff completed multiple site visits to discuss the project and document existing conditions. Staff confirmed that the property is currently a vacant, undeveloped commercial parcel.
• The property has frontage along SW 27th Ave, a key corridor in the CRA subarea advancing Goal One of the West Ocala Community Redevelopment Plan.
• The proposed work will transform the property into a new warehouse and distribution facility, consistent with the objectives of the Commercial Property Improvement Grant Program and the West Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by promoting redevelopment of vacant property, private investment, and economic activity within the redevelopment area.
• The property is located adjacent to Priority Area 1 shown in the attached map, West Ocala CRA Grant Priority Areas.
The project will take approximately 10 months to complete; the applicant is ready to move forward once the CRA grant is approved. The current taxable value of the property is $164,076. The applicant is proposing an estimated $3 million in private investment. The property's value is expected to increase significantly, yielding greater tax revenue for the CRA. The owner’s commitment to a comprehensive redevelopment project aligns with the CRA Plan for the West Ocala CRA subarea.
The CRA grant is expected to provide a 12 percent match to the project’s estimated costs, which is well below the 75 percent match available through the grant program.
CRA Plan Compliance:
The proposed project aligns with the West Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan, supporting goals to improve community facilities, enhance gateways, and remediate blighted properties.
• Goal 1 - Coordinate public and private resources to increase private capital investment on commercial corridors.
o Objective 4 - Expand the city’s business revitalization grant program, this project promotes reinvestment in commercial properties, redevelopment of vacant land, increased taxable value, and business investment within the West Ocala CRA.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of CRA26-0042 and CRA26-0043.
Refer to the attached documents, including case maps, application packet, staff supporting documents, and grant framework.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation:
The application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for Phase One is included in the current fiscal year's budget. Funding for Phase Two will be budgeted in Fiscal Year 2026-27, subject to CRA Budget funding for the Grant Program. Adequate funding is available in the West Ocala CRA Grants account 623-016-560-559-55-82010. If approved, both awards will be disbursed during Fiscal Year 2026-27, once the entire project is verified as complete.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny