Antwon Gildon is up in everybody’s business.
He’ll set foot in every single business on Main Street, or Fifth Avenue, in downtown Zephyrhills.
“I don’t feel like everyone knows Antwon, I feel Antwon has gotten to know everyone, ” said Gildon, who was appointed recently as the director and event coordinator for Main Street Zephyrhills.
He spends as much time as he can in Zephyrhills’ downtown district.
“Every time I look down (Main Street),” he added, “it looks different, so one thing can change everything here. One shop, one restaurant can change it all.
“We’re a blank canvas and it’s exciting.”
Gildon served on the board of directors of the 501(c)(3) organization for three years before he was appointed director of the organization in June. During his tenure, there have been three other directors, but his experience on the board has given him a close view of the position and he’s ready to hit the ground running.
“I read an article in (The Laker/Lutz News) about the director at the time, Paxton (McCullough) and I thought, ‘Hey, you know what? I can help with whatever they’re trying to do,” Gildon recalled. “I didn’t know what Main Street was, didn’t know about downtown — I had passed through it, but didn’t know a thing about it, so I reached out to help, and they told me to come on down.
“When I joined,” he added, “I learned a lot about Main Street and that when your city has one, it’s a big benefit. That’s what led me to going to the board to help.”
Hitting the pavement
Originally from Mississippi, Gildon moved to Wesley Chapel more than 15 years ago. During that time, he has grown to love Pasco County, and Zephyrhills, in particular.
“I started coming out to Zephyrhills on the reg, and thought,” Gildon said, “‘Wow. There’s something up here that no one knows about, there’s all these restaurants and businesses that no one knows about,’ and back then, there were only so many choices.
“Right now,” he added, “we’re in a position where the city is growing. No city can grow if the downtown district is not reflecting that growth, but in Zephyrhills, you’ve had all these things built outside the (the downtown district), so now the focus needs to be on downtown.
“I believe in the city — that’s what attracted me to it.”
So did the Main Street concept.
Main Street Zephyrhills bases its plans and concepts on that of Main Street America, and the state’s Main Street program. But since every small town is unique, it’s up to Zephyrhills’ board to shape, mold or even transform its downtown district in its own way.
Main Street Zephyrhills emphasizes four main concepts: Economic vitality, design, organization and promotion. Each concept has its own committee.
Gildon headed the economic vitality committee before he was promoted to the director’s role. That committee seeks to address the economics of downtown through market research and business incentives.
The design committee focuses on arts-related public improvements — such as the city’s mural or park improvements or additions. The organization committee handles the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Main Street running, such as fundraisers and membership renewals; and the promotion committee works on Main Street Zephyrhills’ public image, ranging from community events to media promotions.
Main Street Zephyrhills also works with individual businesses and vendors to help put the word out about upcoming special events, to promote other activities and shares profiles and links on its website.
“How do I connect the residents, in town, in the district and outside of town, to the businesses in this district?” he said. “We have to figure out what the town wants, so they support it. We listen to the businesses and work with them to get the foot traffic they want and need.”
So far, Gildon’s main focus is on figuring out ways to increase foot traffic on Main Street — without the aid of a downtown-wide event. Street events, such as the monthly market every third Saturday, will continue to be held.
Main Street also is getting more involved with events, such as Summer Fest and Founder’s Day. Being a part of those events — which they haven’t in the past — will help in promoting downtown, Gildon said, adding “We’re not just event-focused, and I want people to see we’re more than just events. We can’t just spend all our time on the event side when we have so much more to promote downtown.”
Main Street business owners agree.
“The passion he has for Main Street is exciting because you don’t always see it, but you want to see it, especially as a business owner on Main Street,” said Shaun Sikat, owner of Winners on Main and Take Solace Studios. “Since coming in as director, he’s jumping into everyone’s business and it’s something we need though. He works to get people down here, and the more people down here is a win for everyone.”
Change of direction
Gildon expects to buck the trend of a rotating door for Main Street directors.
He wants his approach to the job to show his evident devotion.
“His vision, leadership and affable, outgoing personality will be instrumental in advancing the city’s mission for Main Street and our downtown area,” Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe said in a statement. “We look forward to the positive impact he will make on downtown.”
“He’s looking out for the local business, the little guy,” added Bella Rivera, whose parents own Seasons Farm Stand. “He helps my parents, and the business, by making sure we’re promoted as a downtown Zephyrhills business. Since we’re first-time business owners, that’s great.”
Gildon doesn’t take all the credit.
He points to the contributions of Linda Kerns, who is Main Street’s president and to members of the board. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why everyone in downtown Zephyrhills not only seems to know Gildon, but love him, too.
“There’s not been focus on the residents because Main Street is not just a city thing — it’s a district thing,” Gildon said. “It’s the businesses and the residents that reside in the downtown district.
“I’m not an outsider (to Main Street), though not that you always need that fresh blood, just the fact I’ve seen a lot of things that went through the directors and the area and some exciting things are going to happen.”
Main Street Zephyrhills
Where: 5344 Ninth St., Suite 105, in Zephyrhills
Details: The 501(c)(3) organization, using The Main Street Approach™, offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation. It creates a deliberate path to revitalizing and strengthening a downtown through four points: Economic vitality, design, organization and promotion. Main Street members and benefactors receive advance notice of special events, promotions and other activities. They also can promote their establishments through profiles and links on Main Street’s website.
Info: Email Antwon Gildon at , call 813-780-1414, or visit MainStreetZephyrhills.org.
Published August 16, 2023
