it kind of sucks the life out of downtown… but fortunately, there’s a blessing out of that curse that the grant funds have become available for us to do some renovations and improvements.” The city has secured grants to enhance infrastructure, including road improvements and pedestrianfriendly developments along Market Street. “One challenge with our town is US Highway 90 runs through the middle of the town, and it’s a very busy 30 000 vehicle a day, four-lane road, and it kind of divides the town. But just to the north, we have Market Street that parallels that,” explains Melvin. A key initiative has been the demolition of a dilapidated building at a major downtown intersection, making way for future commercial and community spaces. Additionally, Marianna has acquired a 22 000 square foot building, with plans to introduce retail, restaurants, and potentially upperlevel residential units to attract both visitors and new residents. “Market Street is going to be revamped to make it pedestrian-friendly, business-friendly, restaurantfriendly, and so some significant work, some significant plans, and time, and energy, and money spent to sort of revamp downtown and give people a reason to come back to downtown Marianna,” explains Long. “We’re going to turn Market Street into the new Main Street and make it a very nice area for businesses to locate, for pedestrians, and for events,” Melvin adds. With a renewed focus on economic growth and partnerships with developers, Marianna is reclaiming its downtown as a vibrant destination. STRENGTHENING MARIANNA’S FOUNDATION THROUGH EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE Education and healthcare play a vital role in Marianna’s growth, providing essential services and workforce development for the region. Chipola College, a longstanding institution in the community, endeavor MARIANNA | JACKSON COUNTY | FLORIDA convention center plan your visit Learn more at: A new state of the art meetings and event center in the Florida Panhandle. Call (850) 482-8060 For more information: bookjacksoncounty.com Email LACEY@jacksoncounty.com Comfortably seats 250 banquet style or up to 400 auditorium style. Located only 15 minutes from the Florida Caverns State Park, Jackson Blue Springs, and Historic Downtown Marianna. www.visitjacksoncountyfla.com 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 04 MARIANNA, FL
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