Downtown Palatka is the central business district of Palatka,

Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and to ...

. According to the Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency, the district is bounded by Main Street to the north, Laural Street to the south, the

St. Johns River The St. Johns River ( es, Río San Juan) is the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida and its most significant one for commercial and recreational use. At long, it flows north and winds through or borders twelve counties. The drop in eleva ...

to the east, and Eleventh Street to the west, Historical Fort Shannon was located at the east end of downtown on the river, near what is today City Hall. Area transportation is conducted by Ride Solution and connects downtown passengers to other core areas in Putnam County. Public offices and services located in the downtown area: * Palatka City Hall * Palatka Gas Authority * Palatka Housing Authority * Palatka Police Department * Palatka Post Office * Palatka Union Depot * Putnam County Chamber of Commerce * Putnam County Courthouse * Putnam County School Board

Arts and culture

The downtown area contains important local cultural landmarks such as the Larimer Arts Center, Tilghman House, Bronson-Mulholland House, and the David Browning Railroad Museum. Downtown also plays host to local festivals and events including, the

Florida Azalea Festival The Florida Azalea Festival is a two-day event held annually in Palatka, Florida, on the first weekend of March. The festival celebrates the seasonal arrival of the azalea blossom to the northeast Florida region. History The first official Flori ...

, Blue Crab Festival, and

Mug Race The Mug Race is an annual sailing race held on St. Johns River in the US state of Florida. Billed as the "World's Longest River Race", the course starts in Palatka and ends in Jacksonville. To compete, masts must be under 44 feet in order to c ...

. Numerous other public gathers occur throughout the year. Murals have become a common sight on the streets of downtown. Headed by the Conlee Mural Committee, the group has transformed numerous building walls into works of art.

Governance

Downtown Palatka, Inc. is a non-profit organization that represents area merchants and promotes local events in the downtown area. Palatka Community Redevelopment Agency is an organization established in 1983 to oversee the revitalization of downtown and the historic districts. Issues of concern to the agency include the presence of substandard or inadequate structures, a shortage of affordable housing, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient roadways, and inadequate parking.

Historic Lemon Street

Technically, Lemon Street is the portion of St. Johns Avenue that extends into Downtown Palatka. The tree lined street serves as the main shopping district in the city. The area has made strides in becoming a 24-hour neighborhood, with new restaurants, bars and other establishments opening in recent years. During large events vehicular traffic is diverted and the street acts as the main pedestrian-way, housing vendors and entertainment.

Surrounding neighborhoods

Palatka North Historic District The Palatka North Historic District is a U.S. historic district (designated as such on November 17, 1983) located in Palatka, Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered t ...

Palatka South Historic District The Palatka South Historic District is a U.S. historic district (designated as such on November 17, 1983) located in Palatka, Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to ...

Palatka Heights Palatka Heights is a neighborhood southwest of downtown Palatka, Florida in the United States. The area is bordered by St. Johns Avenue to the north, Westover Drive to the west, and the Ravine Gardens State Park Ravine Gardens State Park is a ...

* Newtown * East Palatka

References

External links

Official Site
{{PCFPEI Neighborhoods in Palatka, Florida Palatka, Downtown Tourist attractions in Palatka, Florida