Florida Avenue Main Street

09/21/2026

Last week in Philly was GOOD for the soul AND the work!

Spent a few powerful days at the Build from Within Alliance Convening—learning, connecting, laughing, and being reminded that the BEST community work starts with the people already in the community.

Thank you Purpose Built Communities for the opportunity to explore the BfWA model, and much love to my co-laborers at LIFT JAX for making room for me in the cohort.

And learning about Social Cohesion from one of the most down-to-earth sisters ever?! I think it was her "Jill Scott/sister-girl vibe". Dr. Alaina Jackson. Whew! Relationships. Trust. Belonging. PEOPLE. She reminded us that we don't have to agree or even like each other to work on shared goals.

I’m especially excited about what this can mean for The Ave—building from within by identifying, supporting, and investing in our local entrepreneurs so they can grow businesses, build wealth, and help shape the future of THEIR community.

Because revitalization isn’t just about bringing something new IN. It’s about recognizing, strengthening, and investing in what’s already HERE.

Philly poured into me. Now it’s on to a new week and more learning…Main Street Quarterly in Miami!

The learning doesn’t stop—and neither does the work.
Stay tuned…The Ave is BUILDING!

09/16/2026

Our language carries our history. Our words carry our stories.

The Historic Eastside is deeply rooted in Gullah Geechee heritage, and FAMS is committed to helping keep that heritage visible, celebrated, and passed forward.

Learn the word. Say the word. Share the word.

Do you recognize today’s word? Have you heard it used in your family or community? Tell us in the comments!

Every word is another opportunity to know our history, share our culture, and keep the legacy alive.

Dis week’s Gullah word is BINYAH 💙

In Gullah, binyah means “been here.” It often describes someone who is native to, or deeply rooted in a place.

Binyah is more than where you live. It speaks to generations of family, community, history, land, and belonging throughout the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor.

Oona a binyah? Tell us where your roots run deep! 🌾💙

09/14/2026

🔥🔥 THE AVE WILL BE PRESSURE!! 🔥🔥

Come out to Skyline Wings and Things, catch the energy, join the fun, and FEEL THE VIBES!

Good people. Good energy. Good times. OutEast. On The Ave.

You don’t want to hear about it afterward—you want to BE THERE!

The Ave Where culture, community & vibes meet.

🔥 FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE AT SKYLINE! 🔥

Jacksonville, get ready for a night of LIVE MUSIC, GREAT FOOD & GROWN FOLKS VIBES! 🎶🔥

🎸 DATS PRESSURE BAND LIVE | 6PM–9PM

🍹 HAPPY HOUR | 5PM–7PM
🍤 $1 Shrimp
🥃 $8 Top Shelf
🦪 $15 Dozen Oysters

📅 Friday, September 18th
📍 Skyline Wings & Things
748 A. Philip Randolph Blvd | Jacksonville, FL

💨 Hookahs & Ci**rs Available

Come for Happy Hour and stay for the band! Good drinks. Great food. LIVE vibes. 💙🔥

HappyHour LiveMusic Duval 904Eats SkylineVibes

09/11/2026

NEW BUSINESS ALERT!

The FAMS District is growing, and we have another reason to celebrate!

Morning Oil Coffee has come to the district and tomorrow is their GRAND OPENING!

Come out, show some love, welcome our newest neighbor, and help us celebrate another investment in the FAMS District and the Historic Eastside.

Come celebrate with us tomorrow!

Because when a new business opens, the whole community wins.

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day!

Today, Florida Avenue Main Street celebrates the people whose hard work, talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit keep our communities moving forward.

From our small business owners and entrepreneurs to the workers, makers, builders, caregivers, and community champions who show up every day—YOU are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods.

Here’s to strong people, thriving businesses, growing opportunities, and a brighter future for The AVE and beyond.

People power. Community pride. Progress together.

08/21/2026

A new business with deep OutEast roots! For our next feature, we’re highlighting Suddy Bubbz , a new auto detailing shop owned by Seth Sutton.

Seth's family’s ties OutEast go back generations through his mother, grandparents and other relatives who were raised here.

Opened in June, Suddy Bubbz offers a wide range of detailing services at an accessible price, with both an OutEast location on the corner of Union and Florida Avenue and mobile service options.

08/06/2026

A huge thank you to the Board and staff of MainStreet DeLand Association for once again opening your doors and welcoming me into your Board meeting and strategy session. This is what Florida Main Street collaboration and mentorship look like—sharing ideas, learning from one another, and making each other stronger.

A special shoutout to Stephanie Garcia Mullins, you are an absolute rock star! And it's always a pleasure to spend time with Karon Dixon, our friend Palmetto Downtown Main Street, Inc. Grateful to be part of a network that's always willing to share, support, and inspire.

08/05/2026

We’re kicking off our spotlights with Avery McKnight, owner of Concrete Renovations.

As a fourth-generation Eastsider, Avery is building his community, literally and figuratively, through renovation projects across OutEast and his leadership with neighborhood organizations working to preserve Eastside history and strengthen local businesses.

Avery shares how a grant from Florida Avenue Main Street helped his business: