"I'm only wishing to go a-fishing. For this the month of May was made." ―Henry Van Dyke

Our Marketing Director claims that I am an avid fisherman and also relayed that May is purportedly named after the Greek goddess Maia - with a root meaning of "mother, nurse, midwife."

It's no surprise then that the month of May not only provides us with Springtime brimming with new life and a lot of activity (and perfect fishing), but also gives us Mother's Day to celebrate those special women in our lives who held our hands and healed our hearts throughout the years.

I wish all mothers the happiest of special days, and if you like to fish check out our business spotlight below!

Happy Mother's Day!

Ben Flowers, CEO
Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida
Business Spotlight
Highland Park Fish Camp and The Hammock
at Highland Park

Bringing the office outdoors!

When Derris Rawlins retired from the Army in 1962, he knew he wanted to do what he loved where he loved. He saw the potential that Highland Park Fish Camp could provide, so with hard work and a savvy business sense, Mr. Rawlins' dream to purchase the camp as a family business came to fruition.

Derris Rawlins' granddaughter, Capt. Bryn Rawlins, is a third generation owner and operator of Highland Park Fish Camp. Growing up watching her dad, Capt. Rick Rawlins, and her uncle, Capt. Ron Rawlins, operate Highland Park Fish Camp, she inherently understands the passion it takes to turn a hobby into a successful business. Her commitment is 24/7, as she simultaneously earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Management while working with her dad and uncle to learn the intricacies of the family business.
There's truth in the idiom "The early bird catches the worm." In this case, it's the fish. The staff begin their days very early, so a typical morning begins about 6:00 AM to help guests get out on the water for a full day of fishing. Whether anglers are renting one of their boats, or going out with one of the professional guides, Highland's team has it covered to ensure guests have the best experience possible.

Because customer experience is a priority for Bryn and her family, it's the reason they chose to bank with Mainstreet Community Bank. In her words, "We love their excellent customer service and the hometown feel, and we love how involved Mainstreet is in our community. They honestly care about their customers. In 2012, when we were celebrating our 50th anniversary, they featured us on multiple billboards in town celebrating our accomplishment. We will never forget that special gift."

Community is extremely important to the Rawlins family. They work with parents to help support kids with interests in fishing, and they sponsor a myriad of events each year that feature free fishing tournaments for kids. They want future generations to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and peace that a day on the river brings. It's been a treasure for her family, and they want to give back whenever possible.

As Bryn states, "We are proud to be one of the last remaining original Florida Fish Camps, and strive to provide true southern hospitality with a real Florida experience." This Florida family business just celebrated their 60th anniversary in March, and Bryn hopes to continue her grandfather's legacy for each guest that walks through their doors. Guests can come for a day, or stay in one of the comfortably appointed cabins on site and make it a weekend treat. They also have an exceptional outdoor venue where families and businesses can host parties and weddings under illuminated majestic oaks. It's a beautiful setting for any special occasion. You can learn more at www.HighlandParkFishCamp.com.
UPSIZING OR DOWNSIZING?
(BETTER HURRY!)
Whether your family is growing (and your house isn't), or you're just ready to downsize and live simply, the perfect house needs a perfect mortgage. We can help you with latter!

Mortgage rates are still historically low, so now may be the perfect time to take advantage of this unique opportunity and lock in a great rate NOW.

We look forward to walking with you on either your first home or dream home journey.


All loans subject to credit approval. NMLS #402783
MAY ANNIVERSARIES!
Barbara Goranson (North Spring Garden) - 17 years
Nicole Fairchild (Downtown DeLand) - 7 years
Adaliz Valentin (Clermont) - 6 years
Dominique Evermonde (East Volusia) - 6 years
Tom Ingram (Ocala) - 2 years
Whitney Ruston (Downtown DeLand) - 1 year
Susan Meola (Clermont) - 4 years
PRO TIPS
In the days post-COVID, many people have become accustomed to shopping online. While it may be convenient, it's not always safe. Scammers are taking advantage of this new way of shopping with fake online stores. Lean more HERE.
WHO'S THAT TEAM MEMBER?
When he's not climbing on roofs to fix antennas, or fighting off a hornets' nest near one of our flagpoles, or even scaling a ladder to trim a Christmas tree, Richard is Team Mainstreet's go-to for anything construction, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing related. There's nothing he can't diagnose or repair.

Originally from North Hollywood, California, Richard's family moved to Orlando after the San Fernando earthquake. Learning from his father, an electrician, Richard quickly earned a position as Foreman/Journeyman when he was just 17 years old while still in high school. After graduation, he worked construction full-time wiring everything from sheds to ships, honing his skills everywhere from Disney to U.S. military bases across the country. He also has worked as a Merchant Marine QMED electrician on two different U.S. flagged dredge ships, and has been certified in welding, deep excavations, and lineman duties.

To say Richard isn't afraid of adventure is an understatement.
His hobbies - when one of Mainstreet's eight locations doesn't have him busy - are scuba diving, hunting, and pretty much "anything fast over pavement, dirt, or water."

As our expert Facilities Manager, Richard is first on scene to help our teams out of sticky (or dirty) situations, and he does so with passion, enthusiasm, and a smile on his face. Richard isn't one to vie for the spotlight, but there's definitely a light that he brings to our team because he makes everything better after his magical fixes.

Richard's motto is "Have Van Will Travel", and travel he does! While we never want things to break, seeing that white van pull up to save the day makes everything a little brighter.

Thank you for all you do, Richard!