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08/27/07 Mayor Baker Celebrates 40+ New Businesses
Along Grand Central District
On Friday, August 24, 2007, Mayor Rick Baker
along with several members of City Council and dignitaries held a Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony at 2501 Central Avenue to recognize all the great things
beginning to transpire in the district. The Grand Central District spans
from 19th Street North to 31st Street North along Central
Avenue. In the past year 40+ new businesses have opened doors in the Grand
Central area.
“It’s another great
day in St. Petersburg. Grand Central’s business activity can be contributed
to great neighborhood associations, local business associations and the
designation of Grand Central as a National Main Street”, stated Mayor
Baker.
Back in the early 40’s and 50’s, Grand
Central was the premier shopping district for the city. With the suburbanizum
boom of the 70’s, the area lost business and its retail prominence. All
that began to change in the late 90’s.
Jim and Brian Longstreth, local business
owners and former chairman for the Grand Central District Association,
began managing properties at the turn of the millennium, relocated their
real estate business to the district and began advising investors and
businesses to invest in Grand Central. All efforts have begun to pay off
and the results are becoming apparent with enhanced pedestrian pathways, restorations
of existing buildings and businesses establishing themselves in the
district.
“Central Avenue
brings this city together with its eclectic, artistic, diverse and distinct
community environment”, said Rene Flowers a Council Member for the Grand
Central District.
Once a month, the district hosts the “Grand
Stroll” where many businesses stay open beyond their normal hours. Several
of the participating businesses offer amenities such as live entertainment,
refreshments, give-a-way prizes and special store discounts. In addition,
all have the opportunity to cruise the 12-block district on board a pirate
land cruiser. The “Grand Stroll” begins at 5pm and runs until 8pm.
As attendees, council members, and Mayor
Baker boarded the pirate land cruiser for a tour of the Grand Central
District, Mayor Baker closed the ceremony being thankful for the energy and
vibrancy and that small businesses are instrumental to the employment base
and environment of the surrounding community area.
 
View a listing of the 40+ businesses
established and thriving over the past 12 months – click here
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