SMPS holds annual meeting, rewards community investors
Leadership of the San Marco Preservation Society held its annual meeting Thursday, May 19., inviting members of the community to join in on the action. The crowd in attendance filled Preservation Hall, following a quaint happy hour on the grounds of Fletcher Park at the foot of the adjacent Stockton Cottage.
The gathering was the final sign-off for outgoing President, Desiree Bailey, who has spent this year at the helm of the organization during a year that included many big steps for the community. From the build-out of the new PUBLIX, to Toll Brothers townhomes on the brink of arrival, The Hendricks getting underway, and The Bartow and other apartment communities bringing on tenants to nearby Philips Highway. It’s been a time of progress and great change for the local community during Bailey’s tenure, she will now pass the torch to Lauren Carlucci, incoming President for the organization.
Annual Beautification Awards were handed out to residential homeowners that went to great strides to improve upon their homes and landscapes, enhancing the quality of life for neighborhood residents. Winners included Alan Ridge for his home at 2611 River Road, Amanda D’Anna for her home at 2564 Pineridge Road, and Sarah Rocco, representing her home at 1108 Landon Street.
Other award winners included a commercial property, that award went to William “Bill” Jaycox and Jaycox Architects for design work commissioned by Sleiman Enterprises. The improvements enhanced the look of San Marco Square by way of exterior restoration and aesthetic touches to the building, referred to as the “Café on the Square Building”, located at 1974 San Marco Blvd.
Representing the Award Winning San Marco Garden Circle were two ladies, Karen Hirshberg and Sue Turner, who were part of a restoration and park signage restoration at the Historic Kings Road Park, which had been neglected for years. The site had been overgrown with weeds and debris, the club worked to landscape and improve signage that welcomes visitors as they pass the location at 1972 Kings Avenue on the corner of Kings Avenue and Atlantic Blvd.
And last, but not least, the final award went to Luis Melgarejo, who recently opened up his business bringing an Aztec-inspired brewpub, Tepeyolot Cerveceria, to the area. The newest restaurant in the local lineup of offerings is found at 2130 Kings Avenue. SMPS thanked Luis for his unique fare as well as his work to clean up and refresh the building.
After announcing the new slate of officers and presenting awards, SMPS leadership discussed a few projects ahead, as Bailey mentioned a new program to help with protections and oversight for zoning issues, a new oral history project for San Marco in development, a design project for Alford Place, and other placemaking progress on the horizon. Stay tuned to Resident News for more information about these and other important topics ahead.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading... 
