I recently attended the Florida Main Street and Preservation Conference in Ocala. I have always loved being an amateur historian. I wrote a children’s local history book entitled, Ahapopka – A History of Apopka and Its Elementary Schools and authored historic Driving Tours for Apopka, Lockhart, Lakeville, Paradise Heights, Zellwood, and Tangerine. Additionally, I curated numerous historical displays, artwork, and special features at Ocoee, Apopka, and Lockhart area local elementary schools while serving on the Orange County School Board.
After returning from the Florida Main Street Conference, I determined that I must endeavor to champion a few more elements for the preservation of our unique history and create a sense of place for future generations. Preservation must be safely grounded and secured through local government ordinances.
I believe Orange County Government, the City of Apopka, and the City of Ocoee should definitely consider passing a local preservation ordinance and becoming a Certified Local Government with the state Bureau of Historic Preservation. Once this is achieved, the local agency can compete for a variety of grants for funding.
We are simply losing too many significant properties to blight and neglect.
The 1920-period homes on Mott and Beggs in Lockhart are in danger of being lost. In Apopka, the historical survey notes numerous homes lost annually. We must do better.
Not to mention, one of the best practices for revitalizing downtown areas is erecting historical markers. A local preservation ordinance is simply the next step. I’m proud of the work of Greg Mellowe with his recent approval for the Lockhart Community Marker from the Florida Division of Historical Resources. He completed a significant amount of paperwork while I funded the marker. If a countywide preservation ordinance had been placed, this process would have been less precarious, and erecting additional markers would have already been erected in District 2. I don’t know about you, but I believe more markers are needed throughout the county. Every area of town deserves the preservation of its historical resources.
It is time to remedy this historic preservation deficiency in the county and cities of Apopka and Ocoee.
Once a preservation ordinance, board, and non-profit organization is created, the Division of Historical Resources recommends becoming a certified local government. This opens the door for technical assistance and training. Opportunities become available for submission into the National Register of Historic Places. And again, the ability to apply for and receive funding grants is immense. In Central Florida, the following cities are certified: Winter Park, Orlando, Eatonville, Mt. Dora, Eustis, Sanford, Kissimmee, and St. Cloud.
Attending the Florida Main Street Conference opened my eyes to these additional processes and designations to improve our ability to preserve local history. Looking at the success of the above-listed cities proves that success is a series of intentional actions and activities. I believe it is time to join them and become a Certified Local Government and pass a Preservation Ordinance. Please help me by advocating with city and county commissioners for the establishment of these successful tools.
Editor's Note: This is the first of a four-part series from Commissioner Moore about effective downtowns and preserving history.
