Florida’s Secretary of State announced the city of Frostproof has been added to the list of Main Street communities. 

  • Frostproof gets 'Main Street' designation
  • City will receive extra help to revitalize downtown
  • Frostproof has about 3,100 residents

The designation means Frostproof will get some extra help in revitalizing its downtown.

Frostproof is a small city located off of Highway 27, south of Lake Wales. It has about 3,100 residents, according to Mayor Rodney Cannon.

Cannon said a survey was done recently and it indicated about 80 percent of the buildings downtown were vacant.​

“We’re facing difficult times," Cannon. "We have a vision for the future. Decisions are being made to position the city for growth. But we’re trying to maintain a balance between economic stability and small town charm."

When Ben Hill Griffin Incorporated decided to cease running its fresh citrus packinghouse in the spring, Cannon said that was another sign the city needed to attract more businesses to the area.  

“When the packinghouse closed, those seasonal jobs hurt," Cannon explained. "Any time that a community of our size loses jobs, it’s felt across the entire city.”  

It’s the reason city leaders are happy about the Main Street community designation.

“Part of the main street community opens up the door to some grants that are available,” Cannon said.

He said the program will also provide training. The program will also involve fundraising, in order to pay for the enhancing of the city’s downtown.    

Resident Leon Pierson looks forward to what new things will pop up on the city’s Wall Street.

“Well I’d like to see more restaurants," said Pierson. "At least one or two more would be very helpful. Also, at least one more grocery store.”  

Cannon said he hopes more small businesses will give the town a chance.

“We’re situated between two beautiful lakes that give people access to fishing, boating, all other kind of recreational activities. The main street community gives us more exposure to get people in here,” Cannon explained.

The next step is hiring a part-time Main Street director as well as selecting the Board of Directors for the program.