Development Regulations that promote preservation of the natural environment to the maximum extent possible.

9. Maintain the character and charm of Eustis.

  • ➢ Development Services is actively evaluating new development projects to ensure they align with the City's overall building design and improved standards.
  • Development Services will maintain its requirement for new subdivisions and developments to incorporate pedestrian amenities, in accordance with the Land Development Regulations and Comprehensive Plan

10. Focus on the City's development and beautification.

  • Development Services staff will ensure that all new development projects incorporate landscaping features, including flowering plants, shrubs, and trees that enhance the property's visual appeal and overall aesthetics.

11. Encourage residential and commercial redevelopment in the Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) with incentives and other initiatives.

  • The City has implemented processes to streamline the approval of development plans.
  • The City upgraded its CRA programs to better facilitate and encourage redevelopment and business sustainability within the district. The maximum reimbursement for Gateway Corridor Improvement Grant program was increased from $6,000 to $7,500. Additionally, Commission created the Downtown Business Growth and Economic Sustainability Grant Program to increase foot traffic for downtown businesses. It provides grants from $500 - $3,000 to support block-level events and activities that will attract customers.
  • The CRA Board includes two advisory members to incorporate broader community input. In collaboration with the Lake Community Action Agency, the CRA has entered into an agreement to provide a residential rehabilitation program to repair and improve the condition of eligible homes within the CRA. The funding for this program is $130,000. It focuses on enhancing energy efficiency and safety through various other repairs and improvements.
  • The CRA has 4 development agreements. The property value has increased well above the $210,000 purchase price in 2022. That has resulted in a significant increase in the tax values of the origin properties.

Actions

1. Develop and maintain attractive City entries and gateways creating civic identity.

  • In FY 2025/26, the City's Public Works Department continues to improve the irrigation for the islands down the middle of SR-19 and landscaped them with trees and plant life.

2. The Parks and Recreation Department will renovate the Lake Willie Boardwalk, using composite wood that will last for decades.

3. The Parks and Recreation Department will have the Corey Rolle Field turf renovated with laser grade leveling.

4. The Eustis Memorial Public Library continues to expand programming opportunities for citizens of Eustis. This year they took over the management of the Clifford House Historical Museum and is planning future programming for all ages. They continue collaborating with City and community partners such as Trout Lake Nature Center, the local IFAS extension office and local businesses to promote year-long recreational and learning opportunities.

  • Additional library activities include updating the web page and adding online resources, including business, Florida Newspaper Archive, local history, and access to governmental, educational, and recreational programs.

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