Secretary Detzner Designates Ormond Beach as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

Recognizes organization’s contribution to preservation and restoration

Tallahassee, Florida –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced Ormond Beach Main Street as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month for October 2012. The selection for this award is based on the Ormond Beach program’s involvement and active participation in the Florida Main Street Program.

"I am proud to honor Ormond Beach Main Street’s continued commitment to the revitalization of their historic downtown," said Secretary Detzner. "Main Street programs like Ormond Beach play an important role in improving local economies by investing in the future while honoring the past."

The city that is now Ormond Beach dates back to the time period immediately following the Civil War. Land on the peninsula was settled by J. Andrew Bostrom, a former Union soldier who was originally born in Sweden. In 1873, New Britain was established by a small community of New Englanders intent on making their living from citrus cultivation. In 1875, New Britain was subdivided into blocks and lots, with the original plat containing eleven streets. Of those 11 streets, four were located in present day downtown Ormond Beach.

In 1880, New Britain was incorporated and the town’s name was changed to Ormond, in honor of James Ormond III, a descendant of an early British colonist. At this time, Ormond also adopted the banana tree as the town emblem. In June 1887, construction began on the St. Johns & Halifax River Railroad and the Ormond Hotel. Though these developments brought visitors to the city, it was not until Henry Flagler purchased the railroad and the hotel in 1889, and expanded them both, that people were drawn into the city. With the advent of the automobile, Ormond became known as, “the Birthplace of Speed.” The first car race was held on the beach in April, 1902. Downtown Ormond developed with the Florida Land Boom in the 1920s with neighborhoods that were largely Spanish Colonial, Italianate and Mediterranean in style.

Today, many tourists visit Ormond Beach to enjoy the beautiful beaches, Tomoka State Park, the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse and the historic downtown area. Ormond Beach Main Street also hosts events such as the Ormond Beach Celtic Festival and a weekly Farmer’s Market to continue to make their community a place for entertainment, dining, shopping and other cultural activities.

The Florida Main Street Program designated Ormond Beach a Main Street Community in 1995. As a Florida Main Street Community, Ormond Beach has attracted a net gain of 87 new businesses and 1,306 jobs, as well as investments totaling more than $71 million dollars in 204 public and private construction projects. Dedicated community members have contributed nearly 5,600 volunteer hours in their Main Street Program.

To learn more about Ormond Beach Main Street, contact program manager Maggie Sacks by phone at 386.451.2138 or email [email protected].

About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program of the Bureau of Historic Preservation, managed by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. The bureau conducts statewide programs aimed at identifying, evaluating and preserving Florida’s historical resources. Main Street, with its emphasis on preservation, is an effective strategy for achieving these goals in Florida’s historic retail districts. Since 1985, the bureau has offered manager training, consultant team visits, design and other technical assistance, as well as the benefit of experience gained by other Florida Main Street programs.