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Check out what's happening at the National Main Street Center
Notice:
Applications for designation as a Florida Main Street community may be obtained by contacting the Florida Main Street Program office. Please refer to the FMS Calendar for the dates and locations Pre-Application Workshops offered in the current application cycle.
In the past, the word brought to mind an image of bustling centers of
commerce and activity. Too often today, the image is of vacant, deteriorating
buildings. Now cities are discovering that with help from Florida Main
Street, downtown can thrive again.
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 mandates that every State Historic
Preservation Office provide technical assistance to local governments, organizations
and individuals. The Main Street Program is one of the most important methods by which
this agency meets this requirement. This mandate is also reflected in Chapter 267 of the
Florida Statutes. The Florida Historical Resources Act specifically mentions the Main
Street Program as a method for the Division of Historical Resources to provide technical
assistance.
Throughout Florida there is a growing interest in improving the appearance
and economic stability of historic downtown business districts. In many
communities, the main street is in a serious state of decline. Effective
solutions to the problems of deteriorating building stock, loss of business,
and the waning economic strength of downtown are crucial to the survival
of the city itself.
There are many reasons for a community to actively encourage the revitalization
of the downtown. An economically healthy downtown:
Builds a positive image for the community.
Reflects a community's confidence in itself and its future.
Creates job opportunities.
Attracts new industry and strengthens service and retail job markets.
Saves tax dollars.
Stabilizes and improves the area's tax base, and protects the investment already made in downtown infrastructure.
Helps to control sprawl.
Preserves the community's historic resources.
Enables property owners to maintain historic commercial buildings and preserve an important part of the community's heritage.
Joan Jefferson
Florida Main Street Program Coordinator
jsjefferson@dos.state.fl.us
Phone: 850-245-6333 or 800-847-7278
Fax: 850-245-6437
Florida Main Street
Bureau of Historic Preservation
R.A. Gray Building, Fourth Floor
500 South Bronough St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250