Apalachicola designated Main Street Community

~ Florida Main Street program to help support city’s
economic and historic preservation efforts ~

TALLAHASSEE – Secretary of State Kurt Browning today announced the designation of Apalachicola as the newest Florida Main Street community. The designation qualifies Apalachicola for three years of intensive training and technical assistance from the statewide Florida Main Street Program to support local revitalization and historic preservation efforts in the community’s traditional commercial area.

“I am proud to welcome Apalachicola to the Main Street Program,” said Secretary Browning. “This important program successfully encourages economic development in historic locations like Apalachicola and emphasizes the traditional assets of downtown – local ownership, personal service and a sense of community.”

Secretary Browning’s designation was based on the August 25 recommendation of the ad hoc Florida Main Street Advisory Committee. Organizations represented on the Advisory Committee included Haines City Main Street, Florida Department of Community Affairs, Florida Division of Historical Resources, Florida League of Cities Florida Redevelopment Association, National Trust Main Street Center, and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

Apalachicola is a small city located on northeast Florida’s gulf coast with a population of around 2,200. Recognized when President James Monroe appointed the first port collector in 1822, Apalachicola has long been a center for commerce, creativity, and independent thinkers. The city was incorporated in 1831 and has evolved from a port city to a lumber boomtown to a seafood center and now a heritage tourism destination.

About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program administered by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. The division conducts statewide programs aimed at identifying, evaluating, and preserving Florida's historic resources. Main Street, with its emphasis on preservation, is an effective strategy in achieving these goals in Florida's historic retail districts. For more about Florida Main Street and other programs conducted by the Division of Historical Resources, visit http://www.flheritage.com/.