The Okeechobee Main Street program is designed to improve all aspects of the
Okeechobee downtown district, producing both tangible and intangible benefits.
Improving economic management, strengthening public participation,
and making downtown a fun place to visit are as critical to Okeechobee’s future
as recruiting new businesses, rehabilitating buildings, and expanding parking.
Building on downtown’s inherent assets such as rich architecture, personal service, arts & culture,
traditional values and most of all, a sense of place.
Okeechobee Main Street, Inc. is a 501 (C) 3 not for profit organization.
Click here to view determination letter – (will be attached soon)
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In May of 2018, the Board of Okeechobee County Commissioners designated
Okeechobee Main Street as a Local Art Agency
through a resolution as out-lined by the State of Florida statute 265.32.
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As a Main Street America 2025 Accredited program,
Okeechobee Main Street is a recognized leading program
amount the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods
and communities who share both a commitment to creating
high-quality places and to building stronger communities
through preservation based economic development.
All Main Street America Accredited programs meet a set of
National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined
by the National Main Street Center.
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What is Florida Main Street?
The Florida Main Street Program has helped revitalize the downtown are as of many Florida towns. It is a technical assistance program administered by the Bureau of Historic Preservation, Division of Historical Resources and Florida Department of State.
As shopping malls and other big box retailers moved out to the suburbs, many Florida downtown neighborhoods languished and then collapsed. In the 1980s, the Main Street Program was developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
What We Do…
Creates job opportunities
Saves tax dollars
Preserves the community’s historic resources
Helps to control sprawl
Florida Main Street is incremental. Using the Main Street Four Point Approach, community leaders work together to bring about many small but positive improvements downtown. Together, these improvements revitalize the downtown.
Organization
Working with public and private sector community leaders to develop consensus and
coordinate resources to revitalize downtown.
Promotion
Creating and marketing a positive image of downtown through special events, retail sales,
effective advertising, and public relations.
Design
Encouraging quality building rehabilitation, signage, public improvements, and window displays to improve the appearance of downtown.
Economic Vitality
Improving the economic base of downtown by strengthening existing businesses,
recruiting new businesses, and filling second floor vacancies.
