Central Florida shoppers know Park Avenue for its range of retail offerings and small-town charm, but its reputation was recently recognized with a new national ranking. A November survey by online gifting service Present.com places the district at the number 10 spot on its “Top 150 Main Streets for Christmas Shopping” list.
Park Avenue was the only Florida Main Street to be ranked in the top 10 tier. According to the survey post, feedback from 3,000 adults from diverse age groups, genders, and locations was used to determine the results. “Historic main streets offer authenticity and charm,” reads an excerpt. “It’s about stepping back in time to a different, less impersonal era, and being more engaged with the local community.”
The observations are in line with Main Street America goals of revitalization and engagement, which Park Avenue District has achieved at a surprising pace since its November 2022 acceptance into the Florida Main Street apprentice program. Park Avenue District Executive Director Carina Sexton told the32789 that the national ranking comes at the same time that state and national Main Street leadership have recommended she apply for full district accreditation – a year ahead of schedule.
“We’re at two years and a three-year process is usually the minimum,” she said, noting that recent strategic planning sessions with state and national program representatives yielded a wealth of feedback and high praise. “They are impressed by the fact we are so welcoming and inclusive, and the diversity of businesses is important. We try not to specialize in one thing, we want to have something for everyone.”
Sexton’s appointment came five months after the district began the apprentice program, which provides technical assistance with business development, marketing, and fostering community involvement. Main Street program benefits range from access to grant funding and small business resources to event promotions.
“There’s a lot that apprentice programs qualify for as far as grants, but when you’re fully accredited it takes you to another level in that process,” Sexton explained. “It becomes more streamlined and I can maybe hire an assistant.”
While business engagement plays a major role in the success of Main Street initiatives, community partnerships are vital. Since the summer of 2023, Park Avenue District has opened a social club for resident investors, debuted Plated: A Dinner Party on Park, and spearheaded community engagement meetings that set the Christmas on Park decoration effort in motion.
“It involves the entire community, it’s not just about the businesses,” Sexton said. “We need to be focused on what everyone wants to experience here on the avenue.”
She estimates application requirements will be met early in January with state and national evaluations scheduled after that. “There will be a lot of paperwork and a lot to follow up on, but this is really an accomplishment for us,” Sexton said. “We’re so new but we’ve been going gangbusters.”