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 - Melbourne
Telling Your Story
“Lincoln Park Heritage Education Program,” Lincoln Park - Fort Pierce
“PCMS Commercials,” Historic Plant City - Hillsborough County
Celebrating Main Street
“Santa Promotional Video,” New Port Richey
“Light Up DeLand,” DeLand Association
Four Point Warrior
"Vilano Beach Reorganization," Vilano
"Business Building Workshops," Plant City
To learn more about Florida's program visit their website or Facebook page.
About Florida's Program
The state oversees 56 communities implementing a four-point approach for economic development within historical contexts revitalizing cultural districts.