SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Review special event funding for Florida Best Promotions, Inc. for Salsa at the District: Oktoberfest which was approved at in an amount not to exceed $195,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
At the April 15, 2024, Downtown Development Board Meeting staff was directed to bring forward all special event grant funding requests that have been previously approved that will take place after October 1, 2024.
At the March 20, 2024, Downtown Development Board Meeting Florida Best Promotions, Inc. submitted a special event funding request for Salsa at the District: Oktoberfest Event that will take place on October 12, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm with an estimated attendance of 5,000. Salsa at the District: Oktoberfest will include an immersive experience of the rich local dance community and culture that appeals to the Latino community.
The total cost of the Salsa at the District: Oktoberfest is $205,000 and they are requesting a total of $195,000. Florida Best Promotions, Inc. has submitted a special event grant application and has also applied for the High Impact Event Co-Sponsorship through the City of Clearwater.
Based on the Downtown Development Board Funding Policy at the time presented staff recommended funding this event in an amount that would not exceed $25,000, which will cover up to $15,000 in marketing, up to $5,000 in entertainment fees, and up to $5,000 in city fees. The maximum amount that staff was recommending for city fees does not include coverage for their mitigation which is a separate line item on their budget and had not been approved by the Clearwater Police Department as per the DDB policy. Florida Best Promotions, Inc. has submitted a special event grant application and has also applied for the High Impact Event Co-Sponsorship through the City of Clearwater Special Events.
The DDB approved funding this event in an amount not to exceed $195,000. Up to $100,000 for marketing costs, up to $10,000 for city fees, up to $80,000 for entertainment, and up to $5,000 for mitigation.
Options for this grant agreement are to remain the same, to amend, or to terminate.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this grant will be available in the Marketing Category Line item 1829411-558600 for the DDB’s FY 24/25 budget