PRESS RELEASE: Winners Announced for the Secretary of State’s 2024 Florida Main Street Awards

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. –

On July 12, 2024, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced the winners of this year’s Secretary of State’s Florida Main Street Awards during the Preservation on Main Street Conference in Tallahassee. The annual awards program acknowledges the innovative people behind the projects, organizations, and businesses in Florida’s 56 Main Street communities.  

“I have the honor of recognizing this year’s award winners and the wonderful work they perform,” said Secretary Byrd. “Promoting economic development and preserving historic landmarks are vital to revitalizing Florida’s historic downtowns and the vibrant communities they serve. These individuals have embodied the spirit of what makes the Florida Main Street program great.”

Volunteer of the Year

Susie Macon, MainStreet DeLand Association, Inc.

Paul Moerman, Fernandina Beach Main Street

Ron McCracken, St. Cloud Main Street

Laurel Berntsen, Vilano Beach Main Street

Local Leader of the Year

Mayor Joe Meek, Crystal River Main Street

Georgia Turner, MainStreet DeLand Association, Inc.

Board Member of the Year

Mike Brooks, Fernandina Beach Main Street

Amanda Ward, The Milk District, Orlando Main Streets

Nancy Cortez, Ormond Beach Main Street

Business Owner of the Year

Jose Miranda, Fernandina Beach Main Street

Jim Gunderson, Rafe Banks, Dylan Gamez, New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.

Thays Franca, Ormond Beach Main Street

Distinctive Preservation Award

“Historic Preservation Event,” St. Cloud Main Street

Budget Hawk

“Vilanoscape Strike Team,” Vilano Beach Main Street

“Island Hop Beer Festival,” Fernandina Beach Main Street

Sunshine Booster

“In the Artist’s Seat,” Chattahoochee Main Street

“Cattleman’s Square,” Okeechobee Main Street

“Sounds of the Lagoon,” Eau Gallie Arts District Main Street

Telling Your Story

“Lincoln Park Heritage Education Program,” Lincoln Park Main Street

“PCMS Commercials,” Historic Plant City Main Street

Celebrating Main Street

“Santa Promotional Video,” New Port Richey Main Street, Inc.

“Light Up DeLand,” MainStreet DeLand Association, Inc.

Four Point Warrior

“Vilano Beach Main Street Reorganization,” Vilano Beach Main Street

“Business Building Workshops,” Historic Plant City Main Street

 To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit the Florida Main Street website or on Facebook.

 

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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 56 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, cultural and heritage districts – the community’s heart and soul.