2025 Grantee Spotlight: Arcadia Main Street Program

At the crossroads of Florida's State Route 70 and U.S. Route 17 lies Arcadia, Florida — a small, rural town and one of the winners of AARP Florida's 2025 Community Challenge Grant, a program which funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places, housing, transportation, and more.

In the center of Arcadia lies their charming main street district. With buildings dating back to 1905 that are home to 87 local businesses, the city developed the Arcadia Main Street Program — an organization dedicated to revitalizing this crucial area.

Pam Ames, the Executive Director of Arcadia Main Street Program, will be using the $25,000 grant to further improve the 18-block area. How? By involving 100 volunteers in an interactive walk audit and installing everything from wayfinding signage, park benches, and accessible crosswalks to viral, social media murals.

"I remember entering AARP's Community Challenge Grant Program thinking that it's worth a shot. I would have never dreamed we would win!" explained Ames. "We have a tremendous population of residents over 50, and I'm so excited to begin reaching out to those communities and involve them in this process. They can show us how we can make our downtown area more accessible."

Ames, a lifelong Arcadia resident, is thrilled to see her local downtown receive this recognition.
 
"My husband and I both grew up here. I love this community," she said. "I am thrilled to bring more local and tourism awareness to our town."
 
AARP Florida will be following up with Pam and Arcadia Main Street in a few months to see how their efforts are progressing! Stay tuned for more, and visit AARP.org/FLLivable for more information on the Community Challenge Grant program.