Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera
presenter
Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area Residential Property Improvement Grant for property located at 1339 East Fort King Street, in an amount not to exceed $14,956
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Quality of Place
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
Program Objective: The East Ocala Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) Residential Property Improvement Grant is designed to support reinvestment in aging structures, address blight, and enhance livability and taxable value. Funding is provided through the CRA trust fund consistent with the adopted CRA Plan and Florida Statutes (Chapter 163, Part III).
Property Information: This vacant duplex residence, built in 1962, has a taxable value of $53,998. The duplex structure is 2,595 square feet on 0.25 acres. The owners acquired the property in January 2013 and completed some improvements independently. Property taxes are current and fully paid.
Project Summary:
Grant ID: CRA26-0041
Applicant: Sunfort, LLC
Applicant Representative: John M. Torrey, Jr.
Address: 1339 E. Fort King Street (Southside) / 52 SE 14th Avenue (Northside), Ocala, FL 34471
Parcel ID: 2839-027-000
Scope of Work: The proposed project involves exterior cleaning, preparation of exterior surfaces for painting, exterior painting, and roof replacement.
High Quote: $29,265
Low Quote: $25,075
Recommended Grant Amount: Not to exceed $14,956
Maximum Grant Amount:
$20,000, covering up to 75 percent of project costs and 50 percent of roofing improvements. The attached grant framework outlines the eligible work.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Eligibility Review: Staff verified that the property is located within the CRA, that the project complies with the program guide, and that work will begin after approval. The project addresses conditions of slum and blight in an area with aging housing stock and substandard structures.
Scope of Work and Project Cost Review: Staff reviewed the four contractor estimates submitted with the application, which ranged from $25,075 to $29,265. The estimates include roof replacement and exterior cleaning, surface preparation, and painting. Staff finds the estimates consistent with the proposed scope of work.
Site Visit Review: Staff completed a site visit on August 10, 2026, and observed that the scope of work is warranted given that:
• The current roof is more than 28 years old, is significantly worn, and no longer appears to provide adequate protection from the elements.
• Exterior block, soffit, and fascia surfaces appear to need basic maintenance and cleaning.
CRA Plan Compliance: East Ocala: The proposed project aligns with the East Ocala CRA Redevelopment Plan by advancing goals to revitalize key corridors, stabilize residential neighborhoods, and preserve historic character.
• In accordance with Goal 3 - Improving vacant, dilapidated, and nuisance properties that are barriers to corridor and neighborhood redevelopment.
o Objective 4 - Establishing programs to remediate these conditions for property reuse; this property presents an opportunity for targeted reinvestment to restore functionality and support neighborhood revitalization.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval.
CRA Advisory Committee Recommendation: This application was brought directly to the CRA Board.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adequate funding (currently $718,394) is available in the East Ocala CRA Grants account 620-016-559-559-55-82010. The reimbursement will be paid after completion and verification of the approved scope of work. The payment will be made in the fiscal year when the project is completed and verified.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny