First Coast Register October/November 2015 | Page 16

Main Street U.S.A.
An iconic image of America that invokes an old-timey, picturesque
hub of small-towns of long ago — but many American main streets
are making a comeback thanks to public and private partnerships
with the goal of historic preservation and rejuvenation for community
main streets.
Florida Main Street, a program of the Florida Department of State,
Division of Historical Resources was established 30 years ago to
designate Florida communities that meet certain criteria.
Fernandina Beach was awarded this designation in August. The
status is reached through an application process submitted by the
Amelia Island-Fernandina Beach-Yulee Chamber of Commerce
in partnership with the City of Fernandina Beach and the Amelia
Island Convention and Visitors Bureau with support and financial
contributions from members of the community.
The designation will mean economic growth and a draw to
downtown for locals and tourists alike, says Regina Duncan, president
of the AIFBY Chamber.
“We estimated that about 40 percent of our tax base is downtown
both in the designated area but also the surrounding area of our
designation, so we understand that for the promotion and working
on design elements which comes with streetscapes and banners,” she
said. “And aesthetically, we know that’s going to make better sense of
place for both the tourists and the locals.”
A Fernandina Beach Main Street board of directors was established
and after receiving the designation, they immediately launched a
nationwide search for a main street manager. They are currently
moving through the interviewing process with a number of qualified
candidates.
On the promotional and design aspect, Duncan said the board
will be working on a brand, street scape embellishment, window
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