WHAT TO WATCH IN 2014: Ormond MainStreet's revitalization efforts

Ormond Beach Observer
Business

Taste of Ormond to return after five-year absence.

BY WAYNE GRANT | STAFF WRITER

Ormond MainStreet had a hand in the revitalization of the Granada Boulevard corridor the past several years, including the streetscaping and the Granada Plaza facelift, and the group’s leaders plan on staying active this year.

The goal of the nonprofit, volunteer-based group is to bring local businesses and government together to make the downtown an economically healthy, attractive and lively destination. They assist with planning and design as well as assisting businesses with marketing and acquiring grants.

Julia Truilo, executive director, said the next thing people will notice downtown is the absence of overhead utilities. The wires will be placed underground by late spring.

“You don’t think about (the overhead wires) but you appreciate how nice it looks when they are gone,” she said.

She said MainStreet is also working with the city to have three new bus shelters installed along Granada Boulevard that will feature art by local artists.

“We’re looking at things we can do to bring art to the district,” Truilo said. “We’re also going to continue the poetry events and bring more music.”

In addition to bringing the arts to the area, the group is responsible for the Farmers' Market and several events.

Richard Cooper, president of Ormond MainStreet, said the City Hall location of the Farmers' Market has been working well and they are hoping to simplify the licensing process so they can attract more vendors. He said Celtic Festival and Riverfest will return, and they are bringing back Taste of Ormond after a five-year absence.

For the 2013-2014 fiscal year, MainStreet has a $60,000 contract with the city of Ormond Beach “for the promotion … and maintenance of the Ormond Beach Main Street District.” The district includes Granada Boulevard from State Road A1A on the east to Orchard Street on the west, including areas to the north and south of Granada Boulevard. There are 2,000 MainStreet community programs nationwide.