ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Changes are soon on the way to the City of Zephyrhills.
What You Need To Know
- City of Zephyrhills recently named Antwon Gildon as their new Main Street director
- Gildon’s vision for Main Street includes providing more inclusive events that go beyond the downtown area
- The city’s hopes include attracting visitors far and wide, including Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Lakeland and beyond
The Pasco County town is looking to expand its brand well outside city limits. It’s a task that is coming from their new Main Street director Antwon Gildon — a historic city with a modern twist.
“I think that we have so many great things here that maybe some people outside of the area may not know,” the long-time Pasco County resident said.
Gildon said there is nothing that quite compares to Zephyrhills.
“That’s a huge part of what my role is. How do I get those individuals that may not frequent Zephyrhills? How do I get them to see the unique things about what we have to offer?”
Gildon goes about a regular day, strolling along the city’s Main Street. These sidewalks and businesses are familiar to him. He often pops in stores saying ‘Hello’ to their owners.
“With this role, I just want to be able to educate as many people as I can about what Zephyrhills has been and what it’s going to be,” he said.
That role he’s talking about is being the city’s new Main Street director. It’s a title he’s had for just a couple of weeks, but something that’s not so new to him is understanding the city’s charm.
A rich history tied to the present day. There’s probably no better representation of that than where his office is located. It sits above an old coach house newly turned into a modern market.
“There’s so many buildings around here that have historical tie-ins,” said Gildon. “I feel like it’s the perfect space to introduce new and old individuals to what Zephyrhills has to offer.”
A combination of new and old seen on surrounding buildings adorned with fresh, modern murals.
“I’m happy that we’re able to provide these opportunities, these events and things that kind of show off the layout. I don’t know how many people would do the layout or the walk without having the opportunity to have something to go visit and see,” Gildon said.
It’s these eye-popping details that are helping rejuvenate the city, attracting visitors far and wide.
“I think we’re getting the word out and we’re starting to see people from the Wesley Chapel area, from the Tampa area, from the Lakeland area, from Dade City — they’re coming to our events and our activities,” said Gildon. “I think that’s a part of it because you want those influences mixed in with your local community as well.”
Something Gildon would like to see carry on under his leadership.
