Main Streets are our twelve unique neighborhood commercial corridors scattered throughout our city that drive our region’s economy by providing jobs, goods and services for our residents. Each of our Main Streets has a distinctive identity, is home to a variety of locally-owned businesses and are where residents go to find uncommon and handmade goods, take in culture and nightlife and to experience creative cuisines.
Since 2008, public and private investment in the city’s Main Streets has surpassed $2.4 billion. Our Main Streets have garnered national attention with features in the Boston Globe, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, New Yorker, Thrillist and Wine Enthusiast.
2024 Totals for all Orlando Main Streets Districts
- Total Improvements: 728
- Amount Invested: $284,064,124.62
- Businesses Opened: 198
- Jobs Created: 1,043
- Volunteer Hours: 12,269
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $426,838.51
- Private Dollars Invested: $2,039,141.30
About Audubon Park Garden District
Hip, diverse and independent are the norms of the Audubon Park Garden District. Known for its vintage shops, cafes, bakeries, music, books, craft beer, boutiques, urban farmlettes, plus superlative professional services, the APGD is a fiercely independent shopping and dining district on Corrine Drive in Orlando, Florida.
Developed in the 1950 and ’60s, for decades the area catered to nearby Orlando Air Force Base and then later the Naval Training Center Orlando. Since then, the Audubon Park Garden District has blossomed into a thriving community of unique businesses and seemingly endless events and activities.
- Total Improvements: 8
- Amount Invested: $70,000
- Businesses Opened: 7
- Jobs Created: 18
- Volunteer Hours: 850
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $29,571.50
- Private Dollars Invested: $402,758
- Accomplishments
- Hosted The Night Market with Zombietoberfest (2,500 attendees in October)
- Poemville (entire month of April)
- The Holiday Lights Bike Ride (200 attendees, December 14)
- Winterfest (200 attendees, December 14)
- Night Owl Thursdays (6 months, once per month)
- Love Local Wine Walk (February)
- May the Fourth Be With You Sip and Stroll (May)
- Shop Small Sip and Stroll (November)
- Bird Call Community Celebration (February)
- Two Litter Pick Up Days
- Secured a parking agreement with OCPS for public parking at Audubon Park K-8
- Refreshed 16 planters along Corrine Drive with pollinator plants
- Accredited with Main Street America for the 14th year in a row
Events
- Hosted The Night Market with Zombietoberfest (2,500 attendees in October)
- Poemville (entire month of April)
- The Holiday Lights Bike Ride (200 attendees, December 14)
- Winterfest (200 attendees, December 14)
- Night Owl Thursdays (6 months, once per month)
- Love Local Wine Walk (February)
- May the Fourth Be With You Sip and Stroll (May)
- Shop Small Sip and Stroll (November)
- Bird Call Community Celebration (February)
"Being part of the Audubon Park Garden District has been incredible for my business. The community's support for local, independent businesses is unmatched, and the creative atmosphere inspires my designs daily. The district’s events and promotions have helped bring in new clients and build lasting connections. I love being surrounded by like-minded entrepreneurs and a neighborhood that values sustainability and artistry—it’s truly the perfect place to grow a design business." - Cathy Sands, owner - Blue Daze Design
About College Park Main Street
College Park is a vibrant neighborhood located just outside of downtown Orlando where you can experience urban living with a small town feel. This community is made up of some of the finest local retailers, award winning restaurants, and small businesses found in Central Florida. College Park’s wide selection of services, bungalow-style homes, brick tree-lined streets and many parks and lakes create a vibrant lifestyle and a comfortable place for residents to call home.
The community pride can be felt at any one of our popular annual events, that help bring alive the vibrancy, optimism, and shared values of College Park. “Come. Enjoy Life Along the Drive”!
- Total Improvements: 26
- Amount Invested: $70,000
- Businesses Opened: 4
- Jobs Created: 12
- Volunteer Hours: 1,472
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $51,210.88
- Private Dollars Invested: $1,427,920.43
- Accomplishments
- Held a Pep Rally instead of a Town Hall to inform the community and businesses about CPMS and the membership levels
- Implemented new membership levels
- Implemented a new event for spring/summer – Dog Days of Summer
- Implemented a new social media campaign with a company to improve the perception of College Park and CPMS This was used to inform and educate the public to hopefully increase the positive perspective of the public on College Park and bring more foot traffic to the Drive
- Increased membership by 18 new members (businesses)
- Implemented a new website
- Events
- November 2023: College Park JazzFest - approximately 6500 attendees
- December 2023: College Park Holiday on the Drive – approximately 1,200 attendees
- January 2024: Annual Meeting of Members – approximately 35 attendees
- June 2024: College Park Dog Days of Summer – approximately 800 attendees
- November 2023: Jan 2024, April 2024, Aug 2024: Drinks Along the Drive – appr 600 attendees
- September 2024: Networking Socials – 40 attendees
- September 2024: Pep Rally - 35 attendees
About City District
Conceived during the Great Recession of the early 2010’s, the City District is comprised of business owners working together to strengthen economic development in Downtown Orlando. With support from local merchants, the City District has continued to grow by becoming a member of Main Street America.
The City District is a nationally accredited Orlando Main Streets not-for-profit 501(C)(6) organization that promotes and advocates for the stakeholders and businesses within the historic downtown corridor. The District seeks to serve as a policy influencer and a vehicle for business and community enhancement, while ensuring economic stability through event programming, design, marketing and promotion.
- Total Improvements: 94
- Amount Invested: $60,000
- Businesses Opened: 80
- Jobs Created: 350
- Volunteer Hours: 1,200
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $41,748
- Private Dollars Invested: $26,360,443.96
- Accomplishments
- Received 501c3 non-profit status
- Hired a new full-time Executive Director with a background in Main Street Nationals
- Hired a part-time Member Engagement Specialist for member retention and elevation
- Gained eight new in-district memberships
- Hosted four successful quarterly community clean-ups with the support of Keep Orlando Beautiful
- Continued strong collaborations with Orlando sports teams including Orlando City Soccer, Orlando Pride, Solar Bears, and Orlando Magic, as well as Florida Citrus Sports and OUT Sports League
- Hosted a successful second Annual Downtown Orlando Field Day 2024 at Dr. Phillips Center; one of Orlando’s biggest corporate events
- Welcome nationally recognized in-kind contributions including SeaWorld, Monster Energy Corporation, Tito’s, TopGolf, and Red Bull
- Tito's Vodka sponsorship - $15,000
- AdventHealth sponsorship - $15,000
- Launched the elevated “Art Box 2.0” program with new sponsors
- Revitalized CDO’s Organization Committee with revamped membership tiers
- Welcomed 10 new community partners
- Recognized for 2024 National Main Street Accreditation
- Regularly hosted elected officials at community events
- All standing committee work plans were complete 100% and all programming was elevated showing healthy growth and program succession
- Events
- February 1, 2024: Yoga in the Park - 40 attendees
- February 2024: CDO | Central Business District Community Clean-Ups by Quarter - 80 attendees
- April 2024: CDO | Central Business District Community Clean-Ups - 130 attendees
- July 2024: CDO | Central Business District Community Clean-Ups - 40 attendees
- October 2024: CDO | Central Business District Community Clean-Ups - 55 attendees
- May 2, 2024: Mid-Year Open House at Serendipity Labs “Open Hearted” - 110 attendees
- September 12, 2024: Annual Meeting at Debonair Supper Club “From the Heart” - 90+ attendees
- November 7, 2024: Downtown Orlando Field Day at Dr. Phillips Center - 700+ attendees
- November 21, 2024: Annual Holiday Activation - “Deck the District” - 80+ attendees
- December 19, 2024: Third Thursday at CityArts in the Downtown Arts District - 200 attendees
About Curry Ford West
Curry Ford West is one of the most rapidly transforming areas in the city. What had become a pass-through for commuters is being revitalized by passionate business owners and championed by a new generation of residents eager to build community and see local culture thrive.
Visitors to Curry Ford West will enjoy a vast collection of craft beer, both locally brewed and from all over the world. They’ll also get to select from diverse dining options including Greek, Lebanese, Mexican, Cuban, Irish, Italian, and arguably the best local pizza in Orlando – demanding a return visit to try a new favorite next time.
Other businesses and services include one of Orlando’s longest running fresh produce markets, personal training and yoga studios, craft coffee shops and a variety of hair and nail salons perfect for a pampering day.
- Total Improvements: 14
- Amount Invested: $70,000
- Businesses Opened: 10
- Jobs Created: 70
- Volunteer Hours: 411
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $13,764.39
- Private Dollars Invested: $1,098,933
- Accomplishments
- Increased social media presence with an increase in engagement by more than 100%
- Increased social media followers by 400% in the last 12 months
- Planned and attended four grand opening/ribbon cuttings
- Received $7,500 in competitive grant awards including the Mayor's Matching Grant and United Arts Vibrancy Grant
- Increased the attendance and participation along with profit by an average of 40 and 90%, respectively, of all four signature events
- Created and executed four new events including one new signature event
- Events
- Promotions pop-ups - 75 attendees
- January 29, 2024 - Future of the Ford - 100 attendees
- March 28, 2024 - Business unplugged event - 75 attendees
- April 22, 2024 - Business Knowledge Series - 50 attendees
- May 4, 2024 - Little Entrepreneur Fair - 600 attendees
- June 8, 2024 - Dress Like a Dad Pub Crawl - 200 attendees
- December 14, 2024 - Sleigh the Ford - 700 attendees
- October 24, 2024 - 2,300 attendees
About Gateway Orlando District
Located in the southeast section of Orlando, Gateway Orlando is the spine of east Orlando, connecting the City’s two major airports. It is also the primary route for visitors between the airport and such critical destinations as Downtown Orlando and the University of Central Florida. In the last 10 to 15 years, neighborhoods surrounding this corridor have taken on an increasingly Hispanic or Latino character, while at the same time maintaining the strong values and home ownership that have always existed in this part of Orlando. The vibrant energy brought forth during this transition has created a virtual melting pot district experiencing an urban revival. Having a history that is barely 50 years old, Gateway Orlando joined the Orlando Main Street program as the city’s first Market Street District.
- Total Improvements: 89
- Amount Invested: $70,000
- Businesses Opened: 7
- Jobs Created: 57
- Volunteer Hours: 229
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $7,966.61
- Private Dollars Invested: $10,124,251.89
- Accomplishments
- Completed the district's first road medians project which included planting of native and drought resistant plans in Semoran Boulevard's medians between Curry Ford Road and Lake Margaret Drive investments
- Successfully secured a long-term location for monthly events at one of our district's hotels
- Created a monthly Arts After Dark Market to continue our support of local artists and fostering the arts
- Secured the district's first grant through the United Arts of Central Florida organization
- Created the first Semoran Acoustic Alcove events through the Community Vibrancy grant from United Arts of Central Florida
- Events
- Arts After Dark Market - average of 65 attendees per event (monthly)
- Jazz & Flavors Fest - approximately 200 attendees
- Holiday at the District - approximately 300 attendees
- Semoran Acoustic Alcove - approximately 45 attendees per event (weekly)
About Ivanhoe Village
Nestled in one of Orlando’s most treasured historic neighborhoods and anchored by beautiful Lake Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe Village is filled with antique stores, art galleries, design centers, master craftsmen, restaurants and retail shops. Ivanhoe Village has something for everyone, including outdoor dining, a vintage record shop, a bike shop, jewelry and more located in one district on the northern edge of Downtown Orlando.
The buildings are oriented in a traditional pattern of small-scale one- and two-story storefront buildings facing the street, along sidewalks emphasizing pedestrian access. Most buildings display characteristics of the Art Deco style with streamlined curves and forms that articulate the façade. Entrance to this district is marked by a replica Statue of Liberty poised in an island of tropical plantings and flowers.
This district is reinventing itself to include Ivanhoe Row, Virginia Drive, Loch Haven Cultural Park and Florida Hospital Health Village. The district is home to Florida Hospital, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, The Orlando Ballet, The Ronald McDonald House, Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, The Mennello Museum of American Art and Orlando Shakespeare Theatre.
- Total Improvements: 73
- Amount Invested: $70,000
- Businesses Opened: 4
- Jobs Created: 4
- Volunteer Hours: 1,033
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $35,938.07
- Private Dollars Invested: $38,735,059.64
- Accomplishments
- Fringe Fest - Held a spot at the community table to educate and advocate for the Ivanhoe Village Main Street program
- Co-hosted Sip & Savor with other Orlando Main Streets - five IVMS business participated
- Awarded United Arts Community Vibrancy Grant - $4,500
- Won two Orlando Main Street Awards - Promotion: Jingle Eve, and Economic Vitality Project: Ivanhoe Workshops
- Served as an active member of the Loch Haven Alliance
- Nationally accredited Main Street
- Exceeded City of Orlando’s matching grant expectations
- Worked with Commissioner Stuart to set up a matching grant for the Virginia Drive Pocket Park, meeting ⅓ of the match within the first couple of months
- Activated Gaston Edwards Park, one of the district's largest amenities, in partnership with Red Bull, Orlando Weekly, and Publix
- Advocated for high-level communication across multiple agencies regarding various construction projects throughout the district - IVMS also distributed information through a “construction” blog on their website, social media, clever yard signs, stickers, newsletter, and more
- Annual lighting of the Happy Holidays sign atop the historic OUC building in partnership with Commissioner Stuart and the City of Orlando Public Works Department
- Hosted fourth annual Board Retreat
- Hosted group board orientation for volunteers
- IVMS and their businesses received awards in publications such as Orlando Weekly and Orlando Magazine
- Actively participated in Main Street America’s annual conference, collaborating with other Main Street professionals
- Featured in Spirit Airlines “Vacations-Orlando” through a partnership with Visit Orlando
- Produced twelve monthly newsletters to more than 2,100 recipients promoting businesses, events, and providing resources
- Celebrated and collaborated with the City of Orlando on business ribbon cuttings/grand openings
- Began working with United Arts’ “Culture and Tourism” department on how IVMS can be part of future art and history tours (one of UA’s first tours is in Loch Haven with the museums)
- District Clean Ups with Keep Orlando Beautiful - Earth Day Clean Up brought out more than 200 volunteers - Partnered with Sneakers4Good - Held two additional clean ups, including partnering with Lake Highland Prep’s Middle School Leadership students
- Business of the Month - Promoted twelve IVMS businesses with a featured article on their website and monthly newsletter, and a highlight on their social media
- Small Business Saturday - Interviewed IVMS businesses to promote on social media Design Projects
- Self-Care Month (January 2024) - Promoted 60+ IVMS businesses through self-care related social media post
- Information Marquee - Installed in Gaston Edwards as a place to provide information to local and visiting pedestrians - Supported by City of Orlando Parks Department and Orlando Health
- Art Panels - Completed second round of art panels throughout the district - Supported four IVMS businesses with new art - Supported four local artists by hiring them to paint the art panels
- Ivanhoe Village Wayfinding Sign - Monument sign installed at a high-traffic intersection as a gateway to our district from downtown to aid in placemaking efforts
- Events
- Ivanhoe Workshop Series - Two final workshops with an average of 15 attendees at each
- Co-Hosted Virginia Drive Live with Mills50 District in February, April and September - Approximately 500 attendees at each
- Jingle Eve 2023 - Record attendance, with more than 8,500 estimated attendees
- Ivanhoe Village Vibes - Made possible by United Arts Community Vibrancy Grant - Supported ten IVMS businesses - Supported seven different local performers - Drove increased foot traffic into businesses during a slower time of year
- District Clean Ups with Keep Orlando Beautiful - Earth Day Clean Up brought out more than 200 volunteers - Partnered with Sneakers4Good - Held two additional clean ups, including partnering with Lake Highland Prep’s Middle School Leadership students
About Mills 50 District
Mills 50 is a centrally located, culturally diverse, progressive minded, eclectic urban district! It is a grass roots, member-based organization made up of local business owners and residents, whose mission is to foster Orlando’s most diverse neighborhood by stimulating business, creating a walkable community and promoting our creative culture.
- Total Improvements: 55
- Amount Invested: $70,000
- Businesses Opened: 32
- Jobs Created: 118
- Volunteer Hours: 1,220
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $42,443.80
- Private Dollars Invested: $48,383,759.62
- Accomplishments
- Mills 50 received National Main Street Accreditation for the thirteenth year in a row
- Increased memberships to more than 160 businesses
- Increased Facebook followers to 23,000 and Instagram followers to 44,000
- Published bi-monthly electronic newsletters to connect businesses and residents
- Produced the annual Dragon Parade celebrating the Lunar New Year and honoring and recognizing the diversity in the district
- Produced the St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl, Dog Day Afternoon Pup Crawl, the Halloween Pup Crawl & Costume Contest, the Chills 50 Costume Contest & Pub Crawl, the "Approximately 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl", Virginia Drive Live, The Almost Fall Fest, Love Fest and Music in Mills in conjunction with United Arts
- Hosted quarterly Business After Hours events and quarterly workshops for our business and residential members and hosted a reception recognizing our women owned businesses
- Held a "GreenUp" with volunteers cleaning and fertilizing the plant beds and trimming the palm fronds of the Chinese fan palms along Mills Avenue
- Produced the "Mills 50 Artist Series" event - a fundraiser during which bottles of Quantum Leap wine, hand painted by local artists, were auctioned off
- Created an art walking tour, in cooperation with Lake Highland Middle School students, highlighting murals and art boxes in the district
- Held neighborhood "Clean Ups" in partnership with Keep Orlando Beautiful, State Representative Anna Eskamani and Ivanhoe Village Main Street
- Co-sponsored Virginia Drive Live with Ivanhoe Village Main Street
- Produced a 2024 calendar honoring our Asian community and culture
- Joined eight other Main Streets in “Sip & Savor Weeks,” which encouraged residents to take advantage of specials in participating restaurants
- Joined The Milk District in The Ale-Liance, which highlights Orlando's local craft breweries and the bars and restaurants which carry their beers
- Named Best Neighborhood to Eat In, Best Neighborhood to Drink In and The Place to Show People the Real Orlando - Orlando Weekly 2024 Best of Orlando Readers Poll
- Events
- October 17: Women Business Owners Reception - 50 attendees
- October 22: Pup Paw-ty Pup Crawl - 65 attendees
- October 28: Chills 50 Pub Crawl/Costume Contest - 147 attendees
- November 11: Drag & Drive Food Drive - 75 attendees
- November 18: Green Up - 25 attendees
- December 6: Mills 50 Artist Series - 75 attendees
- December 9: 12 Pubs of Christmas Pub Crawl - 170 attendees
- January 20: January 27 Ale-Liance - 100 attendees
- January 30: Business After Hours - 40 attendees
- February 10: Virginia Drive Live - 500 attendees
- February 25: Dragon Parade - 5,000 attendees
- March 10: Love Fest - 250 attendees
- March 16: St Paddy’s Pub Crawl - 325 attendees
- March 19: Women’s Month Reception - 65 attendees
- April 3: Music in Mills - 75 attendees
- April 4: Business After Hours - 35 attendees
- April 9: Security Workshop - 15 attendees
- April 10: Music in Mills - 50 attendees
- April 17: Music in Mills - 40 attendees
- April 21: Pup Paw-ty Pup Crawl - 100 attendees
- April 24: Music in Mills - 30 attendees
- May 1: Music in Mills - 105 attendees
- May 8: Music in Mills - 50 attendees
- May 15: Music in Mills - 65 attendees
- June 20: Business After Hours - 75 attendees
- August 11: .5k Pub Crawl - 75 attendees
- September 14: Virginia Drive Live - 500 attendees
- September 22: Almost Fall Fest - 150 attendees
"Thank you so much for all the support, Mills 50! We couldn't have had the year we have had without your support! It is really appreciated!" Julie Edwards, Owner, The House on Lang
About the SoDo District
The SoDo District is a business district surrounded by many of Orlando’s historic neighborhoods known for their lakes, walkable parks and streets. Orlando Health, one of Orlando’s most established hospitals has served as a mainstay of the district since 1918. One of Orlando’s historic railroad stations is nestled within this community which is within one mile of Downtown Orlando.
Neighbors have joined forces with property owners and merchants revitalizing the Orange Avenue and Michigan Street corridors to celebrate this vibrant community where residents live, shop, work and play. With the growing number of renovations and additions to the commercial district, the SoDo District is defined as an emerging market. Small retail and mixed-use projects are creating a positive new look and tone. Many large retail chains have recently invested in the SoDo District, though a generous amount of boutique-style shops and mom-and-pop restaurants offer diverse options.
- Total Improvements: 129
- Amount Invested: $244,059,693
- Businesses Opened: 14
- Jobs Created: 20
- Volunteer Hours: 1,740
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $58,272.60
- Accomplishments
- SoDo Main Street District received accreditation from the Orlando Main Streets coordinating program in accordance with Main Street America’s Four Point Approach best practices
- SoDo was the first to receive the United Arts Community Vibrancy grant; hosted a series of 16 events with 10 artists and 10 SoDo businesses to bring free arts programming to the district. SoDo assisted six other Orlando Main Streets to successfully receive grant funding. Orlando organizations received eight of the 10 grants available, open to programs in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties
- SoDo continued their partnership with the Downtown South Neighborhood Improvement District
- SoDo efforts were recognized at the 15th annual Main Street Awards with multiple businesses, programs, and volunteers recognized; James Krawczyk received the Outstanding Volunteer Award for his 12 years of exemplary service to the organization
- Continued partnership with Visit Orlando, continuing the local partner pilot program, with 14 SoDo businesses sponsored to participate in this special membership; coordinated a 360-virtual tour taping of the district; and participated in many Visit Orlando events to bring more visitors to the SoDo area
- Supported the community through OUC and FDOT South Orange Avenue improvements; hosted community meetings, provided direct on-site support, and served as a liaison to project partners to ensure immediate concerns were addressed
- Design Committee continued SoDo Projection Project in SoDo Shopping Center, an art installation curated year-round in partnership with local artists
- SoDo installed new banners in the district, and expanded banner footprint to Kaley Avenue
- SoDo worked with Davey Jay Law to secure trademark designation to protect SoDo brand
- SoDo worked with city partners to secure a design grant which will bring beautification the district
- Economic Vitality hosted quarterly member engagement sessions, mixers, and offered educational opportunities to community members and executed SoDo Squeeze/Business of the Month program
- Hosted 10+ grand openings/ribbon cuttings welcoming local businesses to the community
- SoDo received more than $25k in SoDo membership donations–the highest on record for SoDo District, demonstrating community investment in the program’s efforts
- SoDo Board of Directors implemented many changes to improve the organization’s overall governance including bylaws and policy and procedures changes, implementation of SoDo Master Tracker tool, and consent agenda process for more robust and efficient board operations
- SoDo leaders welcomed more than 30 new volunteers to the organization, who assisted with events, coordination, and planning to keep SoDo District thriving. SoDo District also coordinated a highly successful board recruitment effort, welcoming 13 new leaders to the organization
- Volunteers dedicated more than 1,740 volunteer hours to SoDo Main Street program
- Executive Director and Board of Directors attended training related to accreditation process, Maestro, the annual Main Street national conference in Birmingham to bring more best practices into SoDo
- SoDo Board members and staff volunteered at more than 15 Orlando Main Streets efforts to support the program and community as a whole
- Executive Director represented the SoDo community in the following:
- Visit Orlando Membership Committee - Misty Heath
- Appointment to MetroPlan Citizen Advisory Council
- Mayor’s City Academy Graduation
- Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Intermediate Certification
- Received notary certification
- Events
- December 3 - SoDo’s 8th Annual Light Up SoDo
- Launched 12 Wines of Cheer Wine Walk in partnership with Swirlery and Yelp
- 6th Annual SoDo After Dark
- Launched SO DO IT wellness initiative in partnership with Orlando Health, in alignment with SoDo’s wellness transformation strategy, providing health-driven programming and resources to local businesses and residents. Hosted monthly workouts, workshops, campaigns, and partnered with over 30 local businesses and organizations to provide access to wellness opportunities in the area
- Recognized 8th anniversary of Pulse tragedy by participating in Community Rainbow Run, attending Pulse Memorial advisory sessions, and hosting Pulse remembrance activities in partnership with Timucua Arts Foundation as part of the SO DO IT wellness initiative
- 8th Annual Main Street Sip & Savor program with 14 SoDo businesses participating
- April 5 - Co-hosted 23rd Annual Mayor’s Bike to Work for the first time in SoDo
About The Milk District
The Milk District is a cultural hub with a progressive lifestyle, music and arts scene, featuring diverse culinary experiences, colorful murals, recreational sporting and music venues, unique shopping destinations, community gardens, award winning bars, coffee shops and more.
No matter who you are, The Milk District has something for you!
- Total Improvements: 43
- Amount Invested: $3,955,750.19
- Businesses Opened: 6
- Jobs Created: 35
- Volunteer Hours: 2,030
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $67,984.70
- Accomplishments
- Nationally accredited Main Street by Main Street America
- Welcomed four new board members - Angela Coullias, Alex Spock, Tom Moench and Cody Arkadie
- Treasurer, Amanda Ward, won Volunteer of The Year for the entire state of Florida, awarded by Secretary of the State at the Main Street Preservation on Main Street Annual Awards
- Hosted a Cheer Event for the Olympic Marathon Trials that went through the district in a historic event; voted the “Best Cheer Section” in the televised event with millions of viewers
- Barley & Vine celebrated 10 years in business, honored with an official City Proclamation presented by Commissioner Patty Sheehan
- Sideward Brewing celebrated five years in business commemorated with an official City Proclamation presented by Commissioner Patty Sheehan
- District partner Box The City won a competitive national contest and became Gusto's Impact Award winner in early 2024
- Participated in several charitable initiatives with district businesses; helped Primrose Tattoo with their toy drive around the holidays, and helped champion charitable causes at the Elks Lodge
- Hosted the largest State of The Milk annual event to-date, fostering community and networking between business owners and other stakeholders
- Celebrated the historic preservation of the iconic Plaza Live Spire with community leaders, which was taken off the the building for first time since it was built in 1963 and completely restored to its original condition
- Led community effort for improved outcomes on Robinson Street RRR project and support through OUC improvement projects that closed Robinson and impacted businesses
- Worked with City of Orlando staff to get a new mural on damaged mural in Hampton Park
- Launched the ALE-Liance, a new promotion in collaboration with Mills 50 for Orlando Beer Week
- Social media posts including business promotions, events and updates were viewed more than a million times across platforms
- The Milk District partnered with American Institute of Architects Orlando to conduct second annual design charrette with emerging professional architects, planners and other designers
- Bicycle-Friendly Business resources, program and application assistance
- Hosted four Community Clean Up events, where more than 2,000 pounds of trash was collected by more than 250 volunteers
- Participated in annual Orlando Main Streets collab, Sip & Savor Weeks in August to help stimulate business in slow times
- Continued partnership with Visit Orlando including memberships for The Milk District businesses
- Marched in the Come Out With Pride parade and represented our inclusive businesses and community
- Conducted the annual Deck The Milk Holiday Decorating Contest
- Reinstated the Business of the Month program, which had been dormant for approximately a year, bringing new excitement to established business members
- Featured twice on local award winning podcast, Bungalower & The Bus, promoting events and initiatives in our vibrant district
- Won the competitive Community Vibrancy grant from United Arts and developed Spilt Milk - A Performance Art Series
- Co-hosted the annual Zebra Coalition’s Youth Prom Event in partnership with The Plaza Live and corresponding parent meet-up with Smoke & Donuts
- Increased organic social media presence by 20%, including hitting the milestone of 50k followers on Instagram (in May)
- Successfully championed for The Plaza Live receiving $2.1 million in TDT funding from the Orange County Tourist Development Tax Application & Review Committee
- Hosted and produced the district's signature event, KrampusFest, doubling the size of the previous year - featuring more than 100 vendors, local entertainment and 5,000+ attendees
- Events
- October 3: COWP Tie-Dye Party for Pride - 60 attendees
- October 18: COWP Tie-Dye Party for Pride - 25 attendees
- October 21: Come Out With Pride Parade (Walked representing TMD) - 30 attendees
- November 4: Orlando Weekly Beer Festival (Festival Park) - 300 attendees
- November 11: Clean-up at A La Cart with Keep Orlando Beautiful: 40 attendees
- November 27: Krampus preview at À La Cart - 40 attendees
- December 3: KrampusFest - 5,500 attendees
- December 13: Twelve Talons BOTM Happy Hour - 15 attendees
- December 15: Deck The Milk Holiday Crawl - 20 attendees
- January 10: The Plaza Live Spire Activation - 10 attendees
- January 20-27: ALE-Liance - Orlando Beer Week Collaboration - 250 attendees
- February 3: Olympic Marathon Trials Cheer Section - 1000+ participants
- February 28: Milk Mixer at Barley & Vine - 25 attendees
- March 13: Milky Way - St. Paddy’s - 170 attendees
- March 29: Sideward 5 year Anniversary Proclamation - 30 attendees
- April 22: Community CleanUp @ D1 Training - 45 attendees
- April 27: Barley & Vine 10 year Anniversary Proclamation - 25 attendees
- May 11: Sketch Walk of TMD (Organized in partnership with the Orlando Foundation for Architecture) - 25 Attendees
- June 29: Community Clean-up at Funk’s Vintage with Keep Orlando Beautiful: 55 attendees
- July 26: Milky Way Bar Olympic Style - 150 attendees
- July 31: State of the Milk - 150 attendees
- August 2- 15: Sip and Savor Weeks - 200+ attendees
- August 9: Run It Back - Marathon Watch Party - 30 attendees
- August 22-27: 3rd annual Design Charrette with American Institute of Architects - 100 attendees
- September 7: Community CleanUp @ Kyle’s Bike Shop - 40 attendees
“The Milk District (TMD) is a pleasure to work with. Not to mention the positive impact our partnership and previous dealings have had on our business. TMD is one of our oldest and greatest partners. They have greatly contributed to our overhead with the partnered events hosted here at The Plaza Live. As a member of the district, I am proud to be a part of such a dynamic community. TMD has been a source of community building, growing our reach within Orlando, while enhancing the experiences they are involved with. With a team of collaborative, creative, and supportive leaders, The Plaza Live can attribute a proportional amount of our success to TMD. We look forward to many more years of our still growing partnership.” - Megan Kelley, The Plaza Live General Manager
“We moved our headquarters to the Milk District in 2021. The Milk District Main Street program has had a significant impact on our business as well as our property. It’s rare to find a community organization that has put so much thought into how they want to shape the community for the future! We have been able to get involved with community clean-ups, as well as committees within the Main Street program. This involvement is going to give us the chance to be a part of the growth of the area for years to come! Our entire team loves being in the Milk District!” – Adam Wonus, Atrium Management
- Total Improvements: 48
- Amount Invested: $17,146,493.05
- Businesses Opened: 5
- Jobs Created: 10
- Volunteer Hours: 353
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $11,821.97
- Accomplishments
- Hosted a successful, double district-wide clean-up with City District to celebrate Earth Day with Orlando City Soccer and Keep Orlando Beautiful. Vendors set up at the tailgating lawn and handed out collectible Earth Day swag for all volunteers who participated. Orlando City Soccer also gave away tickets to all participants.
- Collaborated with Orlando sports team, Orlando City Soccer
- Hired a new full-time executive director
- Hosted a weekly open house
- Collaborated with the City of Orlando on social media posts to promote several small businesses
- Events
- April 12, 2024 - Earth Day Clean Up - 130 attendees
About Thornton Park District
Visitors looking to decompress will find relief in the brick-lined streets of Thornton Park, the city’s most stylish district. Just east of Lake Eola, Thornton Park District is home to a colorful commercial district with a European feel to the restaurants and boutiques. More than 50 locally owned specialty shops, services, and dining destinations comprise the Thornton Park District, so whether you’re in the mood to sit outside with a glass of wine, enjoy a leisurely dinner before catching a show, or ready to put on your shopping shoes and spruce up your wardrobe and hairstyle, they have it covered.
- Total Improvements: 35
- Amount Invested: $4,179,829.81
- Businesses Opened: 14
- Jobs Created: 88
- Volunteer Hours: 1,289
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $44,844.31
- Private Dollars Invested: $43,169.61
- Accomplishments
- City Centre mural awarded DOP Golden Brick Award
- Launched new branding with logo and new website
- Brought back Business of the Month
- Had 20 businesses participate in Holiday Contest
- Hosted 4th annual Holiday Markets
- Recruited new volunteers
- Events
- Thornton 2nd Thursday Wine & Art Walk
- Jan 11, 2024 – 649 attendees
- Feb 8, 2024 - 589 attendees
- March 14, 2024 – 611 attendees
- April 11, 2024 - 592 attendees
- May 9, 2024 - 659 attendees
- June 13, 2024 - 522 attendees
- July 11, 2024 - 752 attendees
- Aug 8, 2024 - 622 attendees
- Sept 12, 2024 - 689 attendees
- Oct, 2023 - Cancelled day after hurricane
- Nov 14, 2023- 679 attendees
- Dec 12, 2023 – 747 attendees
- Weekly TPD Markets- Thurs & Fri o 104 Weekly Markets - 350 attendee's average
- Dec 4th - Dec 21 - Holiday Markets Wed-Sat
- Putt N' Pour- 126 attendees
- Cornament Tournament - 125 attendees
- March 30/September 28/November 30: She Sells Market (Small Business Saturday)
- November 30, 2023: Small Business Saturday – 600+ attendees
- February 28, 2024: TPD Mixer – 225 attendees
- Aug 8 – Aug 15, 2024: Sip & Savor – 248 attendees
- October 26, 2024: Halloween Block Party – 2025 attendees
- December 5, 2024: Slinging for Santa - 219 attendees
- December 12, 2024: Holiday Contest
"We're fortunate to be members of the Thornton Park Main Street District. The Main Street framework provides the perfect structure to bring the business owners in our neighborhood together, to promote each other's businesses and to collaborate on events and initiatives that make our neighborhood a better place to live and do business. Led by our skilled Director, we have the support needed to navigate the complicated requirements for running a business in our city. But ultimately, the best part of being a member of the Thornton Park Main Street District is the sense of community that the program creates. We know our neighbors and work together to support each other's successes." - Maria Blanchard, Olde Town Brokers
About West Lakes Market Street District
The West Lakes Market Street District is Orlando’s newest, promising focal point for business and community growth. With Camping World Stadium and historic Lake Lorna Doone Park at its core, the district is a well-known destination for festival goers, sports enthusiasts and concert fans. Locals remember the area’s history of diversity, leadership, and family business in a myriad of industries. As West Orlando welcomes revitalization and evolution, the West Lakes District will lead and elevate its corporations, small businesses, new startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs to their next levels of success. From automotive and manufacturing, to health and financial services, to retail and dining, the district will continue to celebrate the historic value of the community while creating rich, new opportunities for consumers and collaborators from near and far.
- Total Improvements: 30
- Amount Invested: $10,699,095
- Businesses Opened: 36
- Jobs Created: 147
- Volunteer Hours: 2,289
- Value of Volunteer Hours: $68,556
- Private Dollars Invested: $123,615.87
- Accomplishments
- Help promote the Florida Classic that brought over 56,000 fans to Camping World Stadium in the West Lakes District
- Hosted a free event with active panelists to discuss finance, entrepreneurship, affordable housing, mental health and substance abuse to the community.
- Sponsor for Black Joy Festival; hosted at one of the community parks, this event brought over 2,000 attendees.
- Events
- Second Annual Civic Engagement Prayer Breakfast
- The Conversation
- Black Sports Professional Mixer