Fernandina Beach Hosts Preservation on Main Street 2025
- Fernandina Beach Main Street
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Fernandina Beach Main Street rolled out the historic red carpet this July as we hosted the 2025 Preservation on Main Street Conference, a weeklong celebration of preservation, community, and connection. Nearly 300 preservationists, architects, Main Street leaders, and community champions gathered in Fernandina Beach to learn, share, and of course, enjoy all that our beautiful downtown has to offer.
The conference sessions took place in some of our most treasured historic spaces, Memorial United Methodist Church and The First Presbyterian Church, creating the perfect backdrop for discussions on sacred spaces and strengthening communities. Attendees explored best practices, new ideas, and Fernandina's remarkable preservation stories while walking through living history every time they stepped outside.
Each evening brought unique networking events that highlighted Fernandina Beach’s character, from waterfront sunsets and historic tours to lively gatherings showcasing our local businesses. These events gave attendees a chance to connect while experiencing firsthand what makes our Main Street district so special.
The week was capped off with one of the biggest highlights, the Secretary of State Awards on Thursday night. Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd presented honors to outstanding Main Street programs from across the state.
Fernandina Beach Main Street was thrilled to take home the “Telling Your Story” Award, recognizing our efforts to share the unique history, people, and character of our community at the Dining Down Centre event where 742 attendees shared a meal down Centre Street. We were also named Main Street of the Month for July, another testament to the hard work of our businesses, partners, and volunteers who keep our district vibrant and thriving.
Hosting a statewide event of this scale isn’t just about professional development, it’s about community impact. Attendees stayed in local inns and hotels, dined in our restaurants, shopped in our small businesses, and soaked up the charm of Fernandina Beach.
The 2025 Preservation on Main Street Conference was more than a gathering, it was a showcase of what happens when history, community, and innovation intersect. For Fernandina Beach, it was a chance to shine, to share our story, and to be recognized for the work being done to preserve our past while building a strong future.