Secretary Byrd celebrates Fort White’s new recognition as Florida’s latest Main Street Community
Tallahassee, Florida – The small but vibrant town of Fort White has officially joined the ranks of Florida’s celebrated Main Street communities. On February 3, 2025, Secretary of State Cord Byrd recognized Main Street of Fort White as the newest addition to the Florida Main Street program. This recognition opens doors for the town to receive vital technical assistance aimed at local revitalization and historic preservation.
“I am excited to welcome Main Street of Fort White into the Florida Main Street program,” said Secretary Byrd. “This organization exhibits the pride and passion we seek in our Main Streets, and I look forward to their success and achievements in the years to come.”
The designation followed a thorough review by the Florida Main Street Advisory Committee, which consists of seven members representing various sectors, including the Florida League of Cities and the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. The committee’s recommendation was crucial in securing the designation for Fort White, an honor that will bolster the town’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its historic downtown and attract visitors.
Fort White, a town with a rich history, was established in 1836 during the Second Seminole War. The fort, which protected settlers and steamboats on the nearby Santa Fe River, played a key role in the region’s early history. In the years that followed, Fort White saw significant economic growth, particularly after the arrival of the Live Oak, Tampa, and Charlotte Harbor Railroad in 1888. The town’s economy flourished with the extraction of phosphate, turpentine production, and agriculture. By the turn of the century, Fort White had a population of 2,000.
However, like many towns in northern and central Florida, Fort White’s economy and population faced significant setbacks in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Devastating freezes, the depletion of phosphate deposits, and the arrival of the boll weevil significantly impacted local industries. By 1979, the population had dwindled to just 365 residents.
Despite these challenges, Fort White experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century. The designation of nearby Ichetucknee Springs as a State Park in 1971 brought new attention to the area, attracting tourists to its natural beauty. As the town’s tourism industry grew, so did its infrastructure. New educational facilities, such as Fort White High School, opened in 2000, and the addition of a library and sports complex in 2005 helped meet the needs of a growing community.
The focus now is on revitalizing the town’s historic downtown, capitalizing on Fort White’s rich history and its proximity to Ichetucknee Springs. Main Street of Fort White aims to draw visitors to the town by showcasing its heritage and natural beauty. One of the central projects for the Main Street organization is the restoration of the historic train depot. Originally built by the Live Oak, Tampa, and Charlotte Harbor Railroad, the depot was later acquired by the Atlantic Coast Line. Now, the depot will serve as the official Main Street office and visitor center, located at Mayor’s Park in the heart of the downtown area.
In addition to restoring the train depot, the Main Street organization has outlined plans to expand the town’s downtown amenities, ensuring visitors have a variety of attractions and experiences to enjoy while exploring Fort White. The Main Street of Fort White initiative aims to blend the town’s rich history with modern amenities, creating a welcoming environment for both residents and tourists.
“We are excited to see what the future holds for Fort White, especially with the support of the Florida Main Street program,” said Fort White Mayor, Tim Sullivan. “This designation marks a new chapter in our town’s development. We’re committed to preserving our history while creating a vibrant downtown that will be a destination for visitors.”
Main Street of Fort White’s involvement in the Florida Main Street program provides it with valuable resources and guidance. The program, which is part of the Florida Department of State, helps communities revitalize their downtown areas through historic preservation, community engagement, and business development. The program has been successful in helping other Florida communities achieve economic growth while preserving their unique character.
To learn more about Main Street of Fort White, residents and visitors can visit the town’s official website at FortWhiteFL.com or follow the organization on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Main Street program and how it supports communities across the state, visit FloridaMainStreet.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
As Fort White moves forward with its revitalization efforts, the support from the Florida Main Street program will be instrumental in shaping the town’s future. With a focus on history, community, and growth, Fort White is poised to become a shining example of what can be achieved through dedication and collaboration.
