Archer receives $546,000 in grants  

Archer City Hall
Archer City Hall
Photo by Suzette Cook

The city of Archer received $546,000 in grants that will fund community involvement and economic growth.  

The funds will support furthering the development of historically underserved areas, helping every Archerite to “live, work, and unwind” in the rural community.  

“All Archerites deserve to feel safe and supported in their community, and we’re making that happen thanks to the funding we’ve received from the State of Florida,” said Charles Hammond, city manager, in a press release. “The grants we’ve received to date will allow us to enhance the quality of life in Archer, and we couldn’t be prouder to serve our community with these improvements.” 

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The Florida Department of State, through an African American Cultural grant, funded the City of Archer $500,000. These funds will be used to build a new Community Center in Holly Hills, a historic Black neighborhood.  

The Community Center will provide a local gathering place for Holly Hills community members and other neighborhoods in Archer, support sports programs for children and young adults, and promote the heritage-sharing of a neighborhood with a rich and storied past.  

“We want the Community Center to function as a multipurpose meeting center,” said Hammond in a phone interview. “We plan on having a kitchen so that people can serve meals. Kids will have the opportunity to gather for indoor activities, and we hope to have an indoor basketball court for the community.”  

In addition to the $500,000, the city was awarded $46,000 through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Competitive Florida Partnership Program for economic development and local growth. These funds will be invested in Archer’s resiliency, promoting local business and workforce opportunities and economic adversity preparedness. 

“This grant is more of a marketing research grant,” Hammond said. “We will analyze what is needed and how to bring those particular venues into the community.” 

Kimley-Horn, one of the nation’s premier planning and design consultants, provided the writing and research for both grants.  

In the past, Kimley-Horn partnered with local municipalities across Florida, securing more than $77 million in grant funding in 2021-2022 that will help communities improve their quality of life, expand the local business, and enhance resiliency.  

“We are just really trying to help our community develop and grow,” said Hammond. “That’s what we need here; we need some growth in Archer.”  

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