Secretary Detzner Designates Fort Pierce as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

Recognizes organization’s contribution to preservation and restoration

Tallahassee, Florida –

Secretary of State Ken Detzner today announced Main Street Fort Pierce as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month for March 2013. The selection for this award is based on the Fort Pierce program’s involvement and active participation in the Florida Main Street Program.

"Fort Pierce is an exemplary Main Street community that deserves to be recognized for its strong commitment to historic preservation and downtown revitalization," said Secretary Detzner. "Main Street Fort Pierce’s efforts have resulted in low vacancy rates and a thriving downtown market."

Fort Pierce is one of the oldest communities on the east coast of Florida, located on the "Treasure Coast," named after the famed sinking of a Spanish treasure fleet in 1715. Fort Pierce stretches from Sebastian Inlet to St. Lucie Inlet where natural and artificial reefs account for great fishing and diving. The city is a favorite spot for sunbathers and tourists alike, often being referred to as the Sunrise City. Downtown has an old Florida feel while still welcoming new development and revitalization. The historic waterfront downtown offers shopping, dining, fishing and entertainment. Fort Pierce is home to educational and research facilities such as Indian River State College, Smithsonian Marine Station, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and the Manatee Observation and Education Center.

In 2011, Main Street Fort Pierce was nationally recognized when the program received the Great American Main Street Award. Main Street Fort Pierce has successfully revitalized the Historic Sunrise Theater, Historic City Hall and the A.E. Backus House, attracting many residents and sightseers to these spots. But these revitalizations are only a few examples of the many successful undertakings Main Street Fort Pierce program has initiated. Main Street Fort Pierce is also well known for starting the local Farmer’s Market in 1997 with only 12 vendors and helping it grow into an independently-run market for the community that provides a vast array of products in a pleasant and historic atmosphere.

Since its designation as a Florida Main Street Program in 1988, Fort Pierce has attracted a net gain of 116 new businesses and 581 jobs, as well as invested nearly $202 Million in 170 public and private construction projects. Dedicated community members have contributed more than 41,380 volunteer hours in their Main Street Program.

To learn more about Main Street Fort Pierce, contact Doris Tillman at 772.466.3880.

About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a technical assistance program of the Bureau of Historic Preservation, managed by the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. The bureau conducts statewide programs aimed at identifying, evaluating and preserving Florida’s historical resources. Main Street, with its emphasis on preservation, is an effective strategy for achieving these goals in Florida’s historic retail districts. Since 1985, the bureau has offered manager training, consultant team visits, design and other technical assistance, as well as the benefit of experience gained by other Florida Main Street programs.