MainStreet in Motion

July wrapped with a bang as Tropical Nights brought thousands downtown for one of our most vibrant summer traditions. From live music and shopping to creative outfits and DeLand Fire Department cooling us down... it was everything we love about DeLand in one joyful evening. Thank you to our participating businesses, sponsors, and especially our incredible volunteers who helped make it all happen.

While we were celebrating here at home, we’ve also been recognized across the state. MainStreet DeLand received special recognition with distinction from Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd at this year’s Preservation on Main Street Conference, honoring 40 years of service to the community. This recognition belongs to everyone who’s played a role in DeLand’s revitalization—past and present—and we’re deeply proud to share it with you.

And the celebration continues! Join us for one of the sweetest events of the year: the DeLand Ice Cream Walk on Thursday, August 8th. With 18 stops offering unique flavors, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the end of summer and kick off a new school year. Bring your friends, your family, and your sweet tooth! Tickets are going fast!! Special thanks to our sponsors —AdventHealth DeLand and Insight Credit Union — and our featured treat providers: Whit’s Frozen Custard, Berryville, and Pat & Toni’s Sweet Things. It takes the whole community to create such a sweet night.

Of course, the event we’re all talking about right now is our 40th anniversary celebration! Mark your calendars and join us for our 40th Anniversary Block Party on Friday, September 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. on West Indiana Avenue. We’re throwing it back with an ’80s-themed celebration complete with dancing in the street and contests like best 80s dressed, air guitar, and others. It’s our way of saying thank you to our founders and DeLand’s incredible community for four decades of support.

Behind the scenes, we’re hard at work planning the 2026 year. With renewed partnerships and reinvigorated volunteers and leadership, we’re ready to take on new big things. Look for new events, merchant education and support, and placemaking initiatives. I’m so excited to see where we’re going and I want all of you to join us. Because MainStreet DeLand is more than an organization — it’s a movement rooted in collaboration, creativity, and care.

This is your downtown. Join this movement to protect and enhance it! Become a member, sponsor an event, join a committee, join our Board of Directors ... stop by our office to chat with us about how you can plug in. Help us continue to invest in the preservation and vitality of Historic Downtown DeLand; the heart of DeLand.

I can’t wait to work with you in Downtown

Pictured: Sidney Johnston, President Elect Joseph Hearn, Jen Armstrong, Executive Director Stephanie Garcia Mullins, Chelsea Conard, President Tracey Word, Kristi Tyrrell, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd