Bradenton Beach CRA Moves to Hire Specialized Attorney After Compliance Concerns
At its October 20 meeting, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) discussed hiring a separate attorney after learning that the city could be out of compliance with state redevelopment laws.
CRA Chair Scott Bear, Police Chief John Cosby, and City Treasurer Shayne Thompson recently attended the Florida Redevelopment Association conference in West Palm Beach, where they learned that having the same attorney represent both the city and the CRA may violate statutory requirements.
The city currently retains the Trask Daignault LLC law firm on an interim basis, with Erica Augello serving as lead attorney. Retired City Attorney Ricinda Perry previously represented both the city and the CRA. Bear said the CRA would seek assistance from a specialized CRA attorney within the firm to ensure compliance with state updates.
Cosby emphasized the need for legal counsel experienced in redevelopment law, noting that a one-size-fits-all approach no longer meets the city’s legal needs. He added that the Trask firm has an attorney specializing in CRAs who plans to meet with the board once the agreement is finalized.
Two statutory updates, one enacted in 2019 and another in 2024, require immediate attention from the CRA. Bear said each CRA must now submit a status report by December 1, and that events within CRA districts must include specific redevelopment plans and informational handouts explaining how each event contributes to the area’s redevelopment goals.
The 2019 legislation also sets an automatic sunset date of 2039 for all CRAs, regardless of their existing plans. Bradenton Beach’s CRA plan currently extends beyond that date, but the agency can seek an extension through a resolution to the city commission. That resolution must be approved by March 1, 2026.
Bear said the CRA must also ensure its redevelopment plan and website meet all new state requirements.
The Bradenton Beach CRA district extends from the south side of the Cortez Bridge to the southernmost property lines along Fifth Street South. Board members said they plan to work closely with the new attorney and seek guidance from neighboring CRAs, including those in Palmetto and Delray Beach, as they update their compliance procedures.
