About Us

 
 

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 vibrant destination to visit are critical to Okeechobee’s future. Building on downtown’s inherent assets - rich architecture, personal service and traditional values and most of all, a sense of place.

An award-winning organization, Okeechobee Main Street’s vision is to help create a successful downtown and enrich our community through celebrating the arts, supporting local businesses, embracing our heritage, preserving our natural environment and promoting quality events which make Okeechobee an inviting hometown destination.


Okeechobee Main Street, Inc. is a 501(C) 3 not for profit organization.
Click here to view determination letter
 
 

In 2005 Okeechobee Main Street decided to take a important step of developing more programs and activities to enhance the Arts and Culture of Okeechobee.

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 statutes 265.32.

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As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, Okeechobee Main Street, Inc. is a recognized leading program among 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.
 
 
 
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
In the past, the word "downtown" brought to mind an image of a bustling center of commerce and activity. Too often today, the images are of vacant, deteriorating buildings. Now communities have discovered that with the help from Florida Main Street, Downtown can thrive again.
 
Why Main Street Matters?
  • Builds a positive image for the community
  • Creates job opportunities
  • Saves tax dollars
  • Preserves the communityís 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, sign-age, 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.