'A positive light': Ravenna's Honorary Way is renamed for Jonathan Floyd

Dozens of people turned out on a brisk Saturday afternoon to pay tribute to the man who volunteered his time to help numerous community organizations.

Jonathan Floyd became the most recent person whose name was enshrined on Ravenna's Honorary Way.

The Honorary Way bench and street sign are located at the corner of South Park Way and West Main Street, at the entrance to the Ravenna courthouse lawn, and are regularly renamed for citizens who contribute to the community. The landmark was most recently named for Gary and Tricia Krause, founders of Ravenna's popular cruise-in.

Ryann Kuchenbecker, executive director of the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce, said Floyd has "definitely been a huge asset" to Ravenna, and always wants to know what is going on in town and how he can help. He often hands out flyers for events sponsored by the Chamber and Main Street Ravenna and frequently sells tickets to events and raffles. When the chamber sponsored a reverse raffle, $1,000 of the tickets were sold by Floyd.

"He's very much a positive light within the community," she said.

Floyd, who has Down syndrome, is a Special Olympian and has raised money for the Special Olympics through the Polar Plunge. He was inducted into the Ravenna Schools Hall of Fame in 2018 for "Special Honorary Achievement," where he was recognized for his service to his church, the First Congregational Church of Ravenna, as well as the Ravenna Athletic Center, the Salvation Army and as a keynote speaker at community events.

He is employed at Marc's and Sunshine Cupcakes in Ravenna.

Mayor Frank Seman said Floyd frequently visits his office to see what he can do to be helpful, or to suggest positive changes in the city.

"He's always willing to ask people, 'How can I help you?' " he said.

State Rep. Gail Pavliga and Portage County Commissioner Sabrina Christian-Bennett both presented Floyd with certificates recognizing him for his community spirit.

"He truly has the community spirit for Ravenna," Christian-Bennett said.

Floyd helped unveil the sign with his name, and then posed for photos with local officials and his family, co-workers and friends.

"It's special," he said. "Thanks to everybody. I'm excited."

Councilwoman Christina West invited those in attendance to return at 10 a.m. March 24 for a walk to raise awareness of developmental disabilities.