Secretary Byrd Designates Plant City Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

Secretary Byrd Designates Plant City Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Historic Plant City Main Street, located in Hillsborough County, has been designated the September 2025 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

"Congratulations to Historic Plant City Main Street for 40 years of revitalizing and bolstering their downtown district," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Their work supporting small businesses and preserving landmarks sets not only a strong example locally, but also statewide. Plant City continues to honor its history while investing in a vibrant future."

Plant City was developed by American settlers beginning in the mid-1800s. Prior to this, Native people inhabited this area known to them as Ichepucksassa. Henry B. Plant's South Florida Railroad reached the area in 1883, and the town was renamed in his honor in 1884. It was incorporated the following year. The railroad connected the local rural community to major markets, driving rapid agricultural and economic growth.

Initially cotton and citrus were cultivated in the area, but the region soon became known for strawberries, thanks to its fertile soil and mild winters. By the early 20th century, Plant City was a leading strawberry producer in the nation. In 1930, the Plant City Lions Club established the Florida Strawberry Festival to celebrate the local harvest and community, and it quickly became a key cultural event. The festival was later restarted in 1948 by the local American Legion post following the festival's suspension for World War II.

Despite challenges like the Great Depression, hurricanes, and wartime disruptions, the city continued to grow throughout the mid-20th century. In 1985, Plant city marked its centennial. That year, it became one of five pilot communities during the first year of the Florida Main Street program. Since then, Historic Plant City Main Street has transformed downtown into a hub of activity, creativity, and community pride. The organization attracts businesses, welcomes visitors, and creates meaningful experiences for residents through intentional planning and powerful partnerships.

For their outstanding efforts and events, Historic Plant City Main Street, along with its leadership and supporters, has received seven Secretary of State Florida Main Street awards in the last three years. The "Last Friday in Downtown" series brings families together for themed nights of entertainment, crafts, games, and local shopping, celebrating vibrant downtown energy. The annual Oktoberfest draws crowds with its authentic Bavarian flair, live music, and cultural festivities, enhancing regional identity. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Drop has become a signature New Year's Eve event, celebrating the area's agricultural heritage with a fun countdown and strawberry-themed festivities.

In addition to events, Historic Plant City Main Street promotes economic development and preserves the area's unique character. The "Downtown Sign Grant" program helps businesses enhance their storefronts with historically appropriate signage, while the "Main Street Kids" initiative fosters a lifelong connection between young residents and their downtown. With a focus on revitalization and community-driven progress, Historic Plant City Main Street has transformed the district, resulting in 488 part-time and full-time jobs in 89 new businesses. Over 14,000 volunteer hours have been recorded, and the amount of public and private investment into the Main Street is nearly $21 million.

For more information on Historic Plant City Main Street, visit PlantCityMainStreet.org or Facebook.com/WeArePlantCity.

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit Florida Main Street - Division of Historical Resources - Florida Department of State or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

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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 53 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.