The Community Development Corporation of Leesburg hosted the Taste of Pine Street event to welcome residents of surrounding communities to indulge in the flavors of historic Pine Street in Leesburg, a predominately Black neighborhood.
“We have some of the best soul food here and we wanted people to have a chance to come experience that and learn the history of Pine Street,” said Christian, president of the CDC of Leesburg. “In the day of the internet and social media, people don’t have an opportunity to get out to see their city and meet their neighbors. This gives us an opportunity to share with our community that there are some hidden gems on Pine Street.”
The four restaurants on Pine Street participated in the event: Three Generations BBQ, previously known as Pine Street Bar-B-Que; Cotton’s Kitchen; Finger Licking Seafood; and Spill the Beans Co.
Participating food trucks included Dewey’s Deli, Steak Shack Bistro and Catering, Mama Dee’s Deelicious Desserts and More, Spice Flare Cater, Zapp’s Rolling Stove and Mrs. Tommie Lee’s Soul Food.
While people walked among the restaurants and trucks, they also enjoyed live music provided by DJ Shakeback and the Fish N’ Grits Band, along with line dancing.
Wanakee Miller, owner of Spill the Beans Co., said she was excited to see members of the community having a good time while engaging with businesses.
“When people do come to Pine Street, sometimes they are surprised by what’s there and the businesses here,” Miller said. “Sometimes, it can feel like there isn’t a lot to do in Leesburg and people have to go to Orlando or Ocala. I hope we can have more events like this to give people a place closer to come shop, enjoy good food and have a good time.”
Dr. Erika Jasper, board member with the CDC of Leesburg, said the event provided a great opportunity for people to explore the history of Pine Street.
In 2001, Pine Street residents were awarded $3 million following a nine-year lawsuit against the city and Leesburg Regional Medical Center for encroaching on the predominately Black neighborhood to expand the hospital’s footprint.
The CDC of Leesburg invested the money back into the community by purchasing and renovating two blocks of homes and businesses.
“For years, Pine Street was a staple location for the community,” Jasper said. “After the lawsuit was over, the CDC of Leesburg was able to renovate many of these buildings and rent the space to become what you see today. I’m happy for the opportunity to expose the community to the restaurants and companies.”
Other thriving business and recreational spaces can be found on and near Pine Street, including the Leesburg African American Museum, the Bettye Stevens-Coney Business Center of Excellence and the H.O. Dabney Aquatics Center.
Businesses that have called Pine Street home for years said they were excited for the opportunity to see new faces.
Ashantia Hill, owner of Three Generations BBQ, said she was happy to participate in the event and continue the legacy started by her grandfather around the 1960s.
“My father opened Pine Street Bar-B-Que right here in 1977, so I’m the oldest business on this street,” she said. “As one of the oldest businesses, I think it will be interesting to see if Pine Street gets as busy as the community used to.”
Gloria McMinns, of Orlando, was excited to taste the flavors of Pine Street with her friend Dorthy Jones. The pair said they learned about the event from friends and family and felt they had to support.
“I feel this is something different for the community,” McMinns said. “We like to go out and explore, so that led us here today. If they have this event again, we’ll be back.”
People danced away any potential pounds they gained after sampling the flavors found on Pine Street with line dancing led by Miriam Green at Pine Street Lounge. For information about events hosted by Pine Street Lounge, follow Pine Street Lounge352 on Facebook.
Christian said the event also gave people the opportunity to mingle with community legends and leaders.
“This is a chance for people to meet some of the pioneers who have influenced Leesburg,” he said. “With them here sharing their stories, it will hopefully create synergy that will have people returning for the good times they had today.”
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
