Downtown Action Corporation - Lake City Florida

We believe that the best way to preserve the community's heritage is to restore its historic and traditional downtown as a working and profitable economic center. Because the history of downtown is so closely tied to our efforts in 1989, the DAC began the process of having the downtown commercial and residential areas included in the National Register.

In November of 1993 the Lake Isabella Historic Residential District was added to the National Registry. The district is roughly bounded to the east by Church Street, and to the west by Columbia Street. The northern boundary is Duval Street and the southern is Baya Avenue. In June of 1994, the Lake City Historic Commercial District was added to the National Registry. This district is roughly bounded by Railroad Street, Hernando Avenue, Duval Street and Columbia Avenue and includes all of the North Marion Avenue business district. The preservation efforts of the DAC have been rewarded with businesses both retail and professional moving into historic homes and continuing the historic preservation efforts in renovation and revitalization to both districts.

Today the Lake City-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce occupies a historic home at 162 South Marion Avenue and the Downtown Action Corporation (DAC) office is located in the Columbia County Historical Museum which is at 157 SE Hernando Avenue.

Through the years, downtown Lake City has been the hub of the community. Within the confines of downtown are located City Hall, the Columbia County Courthouse, The Post Office, the Public Library, the Chamber of Commerce, financial institutions, Shands Lake Shore Hospital and the Columbia County Historical Museum.

From 1859 to the present, downtown Lake City continues to be the heart of the community.

Festival of Lights
For the past 21 years, our organization has decorated Olustee Park using many volunteer hours. We hire a Santa for the month of December so that every child has an opportunity to visit Santa. Each year the spirit reaches another and more buildings are decorated. The result is a Christmas Wonderland of Light that people travel from miles around to visit.

Non-profit Status
In 1991 the Downtown Action Corporation was designated status as a 50 1-C-3, non-profit corporation This meant that contributions to us are considered tax deductible charitable donations. .

Historic Survey of Lake City and the
National Historic Registration of Historic Places
Our organization was responsible for the Historic Survey which was completed in 1990. The survey included 180 acres and 230 sites. On the basis of the findings produced from the survey the decision was made to apply for a Historic District. In 1991 the Lake City‘s Downtown Commercial District and the Lake Isabella Historic Residential District were both listed on the National Historic Register. Information on both can be obtained at the Columbia County Historical Museum.

Community Events and Promotions
The Downtown Action Corporation has helped to promoted many events In the downtown area such as the participation in the National Great Race, the Jaycees 4th of July Independence Day Celebration, Alligator Fest and the Christmas Bazaar.

Downtown Renovation
The City of Lake City and the Downtown Action worked together on streetscaping plans for Marion Street and entrance signs to Downtown. Together they have worked on the Fountain in Lake Desoto, the Memorial Park on Lake Desoto and Olustee Park. Future plans include a “dancing water” fountain in Olustee Park, a fishing pier and a gazebo pier on Lake Desoto .

Alligator Fest
The Alligator Fest was conceived by the Downtown Action Corporation and is a celebration of our roots. Now in its 11th year, it is an educational, as well as entertaining main event in Lake City.

In 1989, the Downtown Action Corporation was Instrumental in getting an ordinance passed that guarantees that all future increases In taxes In the downtown area will be returned to permanent improvements In the downtown area.

Our organization is always involved with other organizations to help make every event in Lake City a "happening". During the Olustee Festival, we work with the Blue-Grey Army to make their Festival a success.

These are just a few of the accomplishments of the Downtown Action Corporation. Our Interests and projects are far reaching, but always our goal is to be an active, contributing factor in Lake City and the entire community.