PRESS RELEASE: Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee Designates Havana Main Street as the Florida Main Street Program of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –

Today, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced that Havana Main Street has been recognized as the August 2021 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

“Havana Main Street has developed their former retail corridor into a vibrant and dynamic arts district,” said Secretary Lee.  “Local artists, business owners and unique restaurants provide opportunities for residents and visitors to dine, shop, and enjoy downtown Havana. Through preservation and economic development, our Main Streets rebuild and reimagine their historic downtowns.”

Havana Main Street
Photograph courtesy of Havana Main Street

Havana Main Street was designated as a Florida Main Street community in 2017. Havana Main Street has added new vitality to their district by affiliating with AHA (Artists Helping Artists), sponsoring public art, scheduling monthly community bike rides, and organizing a weekly farmers market. They also host a variety of events throughout the year, including the Havana PumpkinFest, Havana WinterFest, Painting in Shade Plein Air, and the Havana Quilt Show. Currently, Havana Main Street is overseeing the restoration of the Old Havana State Bank building, which, when completed, will serve as the Main Street office, visitors center, and additional rental space for downtown vendors.

As a community in their second year of accreditation, Havana Main Street has reported approximately $919,192 in public and private reinvestment, welcomed two net new businesses and six net new full-time and part-time jobs within the district. Additionally, the organization has reported more than 4,058 volunteer hours.

For more information on Havana Main Street, visit HavanaMainStreet.com or Facebook.com/HavanaMainStreet. To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com or Facebook.com/FloridaMainStreet.

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About Florida Main Street

Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 50 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center’s Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida’s downtowns – the community’s heart and soul.