Main Street is how small downtowns come back
Being re-formed as an independent nonprofit whose one job is downtown: its businesses, its buildings, its reputation and its future.
Our story so far
Downtown Dade City Main Street was founded in 1987 to revitalize and preserve the flavor of small town life here. For twenty-five years it ran promotions and events and helped owners improve their storefronts through facade grants.
It closed in 2013. The events carried on, run by the merchants and the chamber, but downtown lost its full-time advocate.
In 2026 the City Commission asked City staff, led by its Community Redevelopment Agency and working with Florida Main Street, to re-form Main Street. The plan calls for a new nonprofit board, a paid executive director and the national Main Street method. This website is part of that work: one place for everything downtown, open to every business, organizer and neighbor.
The Four Point Approach
Main Street programs across the country organize their work around the same four points. It is why the method travels from town to town. Read Main Street America’s description.
Economic Vitality
Help the businesses we have grow, fill the empty storefronts, and give new owners a reason to open here.
- Small business workshops
- Storefront recruitment
- Pointing owners to grants
Design
Care for the buildings, sidewalks and signs that make downtown look like nowhere else.
- Facade and sign improvements
- Planters, benches and lighting
- Wayfinding
Promotion
Tell the story of downtown and give people reasons to come back every week, not only on festival day.
- Events and shop-local campaigns
- This website and newsletter
- Visitor guides
Organization
Build the volunteers, partners and funding that keep the work going for the long haul.
- Board and committees
- Sponsors and donors
- Partnerships with the City and chamber
Board and staff
The founding board is being formed now: twelve to fifteen people from downtown businesses, property owners and the neighborhoods around them.
Could that be you?
Board members give 15 to 20 hours a month in the first year: setting the work plan, hiring the executive director and opening doors. No experience with nonprofits required, only care for downtown.
Tell us about youQuestions people ask
What is Main Street?
Main Street America is a national network of downtown organizations that share one practical framework, the Main Street Approach and its Four Points, for bringing historic commercial districts back to life. Florida Main Street, part of the Florida Department of State, coordinates the program in this state.
Didn’t Dade City already have a Main Street?
Yes. Downtown Dade City Main Street ran from 1987 to 2013. In 2026 the City Commission directed City staff, led by the Community Redevelopment Agency and working with Florida Main Street, to re-form it. The plan calls for a new board and a paid executive director.
Is this the City?
No. Main Street is being set up as an independent nonprofit that partners with the City, the chamber of commerce, merchants and residents. It exists so downtown has a full-time advocate.
I own a business downtown. What does this cost me?
Listing your business on this site is free. Create an account, add your listing, and keep your hours and news up to date yourself.
How do I get my event on the calendar?
Submit it through the events page. A volunteer reviews every submission, usually within a couple of days, before it goes live.