PRESS RELEASE: Secretary Byrd Designates Eau Gallie Arts District as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Eau Gallie Arts District, located in Melbourne, Brevard County, has been designated the October 2024 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

“Eau Gallie Arts District is a testament to how historic preservation and creative innovation can come together to transform a community," said Secretary Byrd. "With a commitment to fostering the arts, EGAD Main Street has worked to ensure that the district remains a cultural beacon while also preserving its rich history."

The Eau Gallie Arts District (EGAD) boasts a rich history. In 1859, John Carroll Houston IV, the area’s first permanent American settler, established a homestead near modern day Eau Gallie, which was originally known as Arlington. Local resident William Henry Gleason renamed the community Eau Gallie in 1860. The name, which derives from French to mean "rocky waters," was inspired by the coquina rocks found along the Indian River Lagoon, reflecting the district's natural geography.

Photographs provided by Kram Kran Photo and Eau Gallie Arts District Main Street

Eau Gallie developed with the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railroad (ECR) in 1893, which improved transportation and enhanced economic growth, helping the district transition from a primarily agricultural settlement to a more diverse community with expanding residential and commercial activities. The Eau Gallie High School, established in 1924, reinforced the district's growing educational and social infrastructure. After World War II, the area experienced substantial growth with increased residential development and the establishment of new schools. In 1969, Melbourne annexed Eau Gallie, integrating it into the city's expanding infrastructure. By the 1990s, preservation efforts were initiated by residents and local activists to protect the district’s historical character, laying the groundwork for its future as a cultural hub.

Entering into the 21st century, Eau Gallie has blended its historical heritage with modern innovations. Key revitalization efforts began with the establishment of the Eau Gallie Community Redevelopment Area in 2000 and its designation as a Waterfronts Florida Partnership community in 2003. These initiatives spurred the transformation of Eau Gallie into a dynamic arts and culture destination known as Eau Gallie Arts District. The district has embraced its historical architecture by repurposing historic buildings into vibrant galleries, restaurants, and studios, while also hosting public art projects like the Anti-Gravity Mural Festival and the Sounds of the Lagoon Project.

Recent years have seen continued success in preserving EGAD's unique character while promoting economic development. The EGAD Main Street program, launched in 2010, has been pivotal in this effort, utilizing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach to foster community engagement and growth. This program has facilitated over $1.3 million in private investments and more than $2 million in public investments, leading to the opening of 45 new businesses and the creation of over 300 jobs. The district’s commitment to cultural and historic preservation was recognized in 2024 with the Secretary of State’s Florida Main Street Sunshine Booster Award for the "Sounds of the Lagoon Project," an interdisciplinary celebration of the district’s cultural and natural heritage. Ongoing initiatives like First Friday continue to attract visitors and engage the community, further solidifying EGAD’s reputation as a premier destination for arts and culture on Florida’s Space Coast. The recent storms, especially Hurricane Milton on October 9th, put EGAD at risk of damage and disruption from strong winds. Fortunately, the community managed to avoid any lasting harm from the severe weather.

"We are honored to receive this recognition as Florida Main Street Program of the Month," said Kathie Elías, Executive Director of Eau Gallie Arts District Main Street. “Our community is a testament to the power of collaboration, creativity, and a shared vision. We've worked hard to celebrate Eau Gallie's rich history while building a vibrant future that showcases the arts and connects us all. This is just the beginning, and we're excited for what lies ahead."

For more information on Eau Gallie Arts District Main Street, visit EGADlife.com or follow on Facebook or Instagram. 

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 57 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul.