The city of Palmetto, Florida (just south of Tampa) dates back to the 1800s, and has many historic downtown buildings.
Now, the city and its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) are planning to upgrade the central business district, with help from the University of South Florida (USF).
The effort is part of USF’s Community Sustainability Partnership Program, which engages students and faculty with green community revitalization projects.
“In addition to the potential for having a great impact on the community its also what it does for the students here USF in terms of giving them a way to make a difference and also helping them be part of the solutions to some of the difficulties communities face,” said Kristine Williams of the Community Sustainability Partnership Program.
The CRA is putting about $116,000 into the effort, with the city of Palmetto contributing $34,000.