News Summary
In order to enhance its image after being labeled as one of the most boring cities, Tallahassee’s Leon County has initiated the ‘Beyond Your Block’ summer promotion. This program encourages residents to engage with their community by exploring local neighborhoods, businesses, and attractions. Participants who check in at locations using the Visit Tallahassee app will receive rewards and have a chance to win a staycation. County leaders are hopeful this campaign will boost tourism and increase community involvement.
Tallahassee, Florida – In a bid to reshape its reputation following a recent study by Finance Buzz, which ranked the city as the ninth most boring town among 75 major U.S. cities, Leon County has launched the inaugural “Beyond Your Block” summer promotion. The initiative invites residents to actively engage with their local community by exploring diverse neighborhoods, including Midtown and Southside.
Residents are encouraged to become local tourism ambassadors, which supports the economy while allowing them to discover a variety of designated shops, restaurants, parks, and attractions. The promotional campaign officially launched on July 14 and will continue until August 24.
To participate, residents must download the free Visit Tallahassee app. Through the app, they can access the ‘Challenges’ tab, which provides a list of participating locations. For every two check-ins within a designated “block,” participants will receive a complimentary “Beyond Your Block” T-shirt. Furthermore, each check-in serves as an entry into a grand prize drawing for a free two-night staycation, which includes hotel accommodations and meals.
Business owners are optimistic that the campaign will lead to increased foot traffic and foster connections within the community. Shops like Native Spirit & Gems Jewelry, which offers unique jewelry made from natural gems and locally crafted items, hope to raise awareness about lesser-known businesses in the area.
Scott Lindeman, senior marketing director at Visit Tallahassee, noted that there is much for residents to explore in their own city, including attractions like the Challenger Center and new galleries and trails that have recently opened. He encouraged the public to take advantage of the summer season to rediscover local offerings, assuring them that there are plenty of activities available, even on dull or rainy days.
In addition to the current promotion, county leaders in Leon County are actively planning for the future. Recent discussions at a county retreat have led to the establishment of 20 new goals aimed at enhancing economic development. These goals include creating more affordable housing options and implementing plans for events designed to attract tourists to the area.
The importance of tourism to the local economy is underscored by upcoming events such as the Florida Tourism Day Expo. This gathering will feature exhibits, interactive booths, food samples, live music, and giveaways to emphasize the significant economic impact of tourism in Florida. Last year, VISIT FLORIDA reported that the state welcomed a record 142.9 million travelers and that tourism spending reached $131 billion, which directly and indirectly supports more than 2.1 million jobs.
As the “Beyond Your Block” challenge unfolds, it marks a significant step towards not just revitalizing Tallahassee’s image, but also enhancing community engagement and local business visibility. Through this initiative, Leon County hopes to invigorate the local economy and inspire residents to appreciate the hidden gems within their own neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: New Challenge Dares Locals to Bust Tallahassee Boredom
- Florida Politics: First Ever Florida Tourism Day Expo Comes to Tallahassee Wednesday
- WTXL: Leon County Leaders Talk Tourism, Affordable Housing at Yearly Retreat
- Tallahassee.com: DeSantis Nominates Top Aide Bryan Griffin for CEO of Visit Florida
- Tallahassee Reports: Third Quarter Tourism Up in Florida
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Google Search: Tallahassee tourism
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee tourism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Google News: Tallahassee events
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
