Florida Main Street Celebrates Achievements in Preservation and Downtown Revitalization

FERNANDINA BEACH, FLA. –

Secretary of State Cord Byrd is proud to announce the winners of Florida’s annual Main Street Awards, recognizing outstanding achievement in historic preservation and downtown revitalization across the state. The awards celebrate the dedication and innovative spirit of communities working to strengthen their local economies and preserve their unique heritage.   

“This year’s award recipients embody the power of Florida Main Street,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd.  “Their tireless efforts creating vibrant downtowns, preserving historic buildings, and engaging their communities serves as an inspiration to us all. 

The 2025 awards banquet, held on the final night of the Preservation on Main Street (POMS) Conference, celebrated those recognized for their exceptional contributions through Florida Main Street programs. 

This year’s Main Street Florida winners include:

Volunteer of the Year

Brian Hoffman, Curry Ford West (Orlando)

Local Leader of the Year

Jeremiah Glisson, Fernandina Beach Main Street

Board Member of the Year

Lori Giambrone, St. Cloud Main Street

Business Owner of the Year

Kevin O’Brien, Fernandina Beach Main Street

Distinctive Preservation Award

“Historical Preservation Design Guidelines”, Brooksville Main Street

Budget Hawk

“Brooksville Tangerine Festival”, Brooksville Main Street

“The Inaugural Strawberry Drop”, Historic Plant City Main Street

Sunshine Booster

“Big Store Makeover”, Main Street DeFuniak Springs

“Growing Public Art in Ormond Beach”, Ormond Beach Main Street

Telling Your Story

“Fernandina Beach Bicentennial Celebration”, Fernandina Beach Main Street

“Downtown Guide”, Ocala Main Street

Celebrating Main Street

“Crystal River is Open!”, Crystal River Main Street

“Main Street Kids”, Historic Plant City Main Street

Four Point Warrior

“The Downtown Sign Grant”, Historic Plant City Main Street

Landmark Preservation Project

“Slappey Building”, Havana Main Street

“Midtown Station”, Ocala Main Street

The Plaza Live, The Milk District (Orlando)

For more information about the Florida Main Street program, visit https://dos.fl.gov/historical/preservation/florida-main-street/ or Florida Main Street | Facebook.

# # #

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