SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Authorize an Agreement between the City of Clearwater and The Greater Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce dba AMPLIFY Clearwater to provide visitor information services at the Clearwater Beach Visitor Information Center, for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2029, at a cost not to exceed $307,496.60 over the term of the Agreement and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
The Beach Visitor Information Center (BVIC) was built in 2002 and is located adjacent to the Pier 60 playground on Clearwater Beach, just west of the Clearwater Beach Municipal Marina. The BVIC is a 15-by-20-foot, air-conditioned concrete block structure designed with a tropical seascape architectural design that complements surrounding beach facilities.
AMPLIFY Clearwater, selected through RFP 02-21 as the sole respondent, has successfully operated the BVIC for the past four years and has fulfilled all obligations outlined in the current agreement, which is set to expire on September 30, 2025. City staff recommends continuing the partnership by approving a new agreement with AMPLIFY Clearwater to operate the center for an additional four years.
Under the new agreement, the BVIC building will be provided to the AMPLIFY Clearwater rent-free and will remain open to serve the public. Days and hours of operation will vary based on seasonal tourism activity. The City’s Building and Maintenance Division will maintain the structural integrity of the facility, while AMPLIFY Clearwater will be responsible for daily maintenance and payment of utilities metered to the building.
AMPLIFY Clearwater will continue to provide concierge-style services, assisting providing information to visitors of Clearwater Beach, as they have over the past four years. They will also leverage partnerships and collaborations to enhance the overall value and visitor experience on behalf of the City of Clearwater. While operating hours may vary based on seasonal activity, AMPLIFY Clearwater will ensure that at least one paid staff member is present at the center for eight to ten hours per day, year-round or a minimum of 3,300 hours per year.
AMPLIFY Clearwater will submit quarterly reports detailing estimated annual operating hours, visitor data, and tourism trends. In exchange for these services, the City will compensate AMPLIFY Clearwater according to the schedule outlined below, which includes a 3% annual cost-of-living increase.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this agreement is included in the proposed FY25/26 Parks & Recreation Department budget (0101801-530300). Future funding will be requested as part of the annual budget process. The Parks and Recreation Department is funded by General Fund revenues.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Approval of the purchase order supports several Strategic Plan Objectives, including:
• 1.2: Maintain public infrastructure, mobility systems, natural lands, environmental resources, and historic features through systematic management efforts;
• 1.3: Adopt responsive levels of service for public facilities and amenities, and identify resources required to sustain that level of service.
• 2.1: Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
• 2.2: Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events; and
• 3.3: Promote marketing and outreach strategies that encourage stakeholder engagement, enhance community education, and build public trust.
