Secretary Byrd Designates Okeechobee Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

Secretary Byrd Designates Okeechobee Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month

TALLAHASSEE, FLA. -

Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Okeechobee Main Street has been designated the April 2026 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.

"This designation celebrates the people of Okeechobee, whose dedication, pride, and partnership continue to strengthen the cultural and economic vitality of their historic downtown," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Their work demonstrates how Florida's historic downtowns can thrive when people come together with a shared vision for community-driven revitalization that honors the past and builds for the future."

Settled in 1896 by pioneers Peter and Louisiana Raulerson, Okeechobee grew in 1911 with the arrival of the Florida East Coast Railroad. The railroad was used to haul timber, turpentine, citrus, and catfish quickly and efficiently across the state. Shaped by cattle ranching, agriculture, and life along the shores of Lake Okeechobee, the city has always been rooted in hard work and durability. Today, Okeechobee continues to honor that legacy while embracing thoughtful growth, vibrant small businesses, signature events, and new opportunities that keep the hardy spirit of the community thriving.

Photograph provided by Okeechobee Main Street

Okeechobee's economy continues to be supported by agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Main Street is still the heart of the downtown as it continues to promote Okeechobee as a place for business and community.

Okeechobee Main Street (OKMS) has been the driving force behind the arts and culture programs in Okeechobee for years. In 2018, OKMS was designated a Local Arts Agency for Okeechobee County with the mission to connect people to the arts and each other, and to facilitate and nurture the creation, development, promotion and education of arts and culture in Okeechobee County. An award-winning organization, OKMS seeks to build a successful downtown that enriches the community by supporting local businesses, embracing the areas heritage, preserving the natural environment, celebrating the arts and promoting quality events which make Okeechobee an inviting hometown destination.

OKMS organizes many well-known community-based festivals and parades such as the annual Speckled Perch festival and the Christmas festival. OKMS also hosts a quarterly art gallery installation at the historic courthouse or at the Main Street's own gallery. Additionally, OKMS hosts a farmers market called Market on Park every month to support local farmers and makers and promote downtown shops and restaurants.

Since 2004, OKMS has generated $72,845,852.99 in public and private investments. The district has seen an increase of 252 net new businesses that have created 1,087 net new jobs, and over 82,525 volunteer hours have been recorded.

For more information on Okeechobee Main Street, visit OkeechobeeMainStreet.org.

To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit FloridaMainStreet.com 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.