Eastern Main Street businesses team up

A group of businesses, located between U.S. 301 and Links Avenue, are working together to shine a light on the eastern edge of downtown.

Representatives of four businesses have committed to participating in the group, tentatively named the East End District:

• Eat Here, 1888 Main St.
• Evie’s, 1989 Ringling Blvd.
• Main Street Graphics, 1900 Main St.
• McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, to open at 1923 Ringling Blvd.

The group is in the process of formally organizing as a nonprofit, and plans to reach out to other nearby businesses to come aboard. The participants said their goals include joint marketing and branding to establish the area as an entertainment district. Infrastructure improvements, such as lighting and signs, were mentioned as potential targets, as well.

They also expressed an interest in linking up with the western end of Main Street, and endorsed the idea of a downtown circulator that cycled throughout the heart of the city.

The members elected Les McCurdy, of McCurdy’s Comedy Theatre, as president at a meeting Tuesday. The group plans to meet on a biweekly basis going forward.

For more information on the formation of the East End District, pick up a copy of this Thursday’s Sarasota Observer.

Contact David Conway at [email protected].