SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
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Approve a Special Event Grant Funding Request from Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation Inc. in the amount not to exceed $131,000 for the 46th Clearwater Jazz Holiday October 16-19, 2025, and CJH Presents Music Series Holiday Experience on December 6, 2025 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
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SUMMARY:
The purpose of this item is to request approval of grant funding for the 46th Clearwater Jazz Holiday and CJH Presents Music Series Holiday Experience; events produced by Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation Inc. (“CJH)
Event Details:
Clearwater Jazz Holiday (four-day event)
• Dates: October 16-19, 2025
o Thursday 4:00pm-10:00pm
o Friday 4:00pm-11:00pm
o Saturday 3:00pm-11:00pm
o Sunday 3:00pm-10:00pm
• Location: utilizing multiple areas of Coachman Park excluding the BayCare Sound
• Admission: The ticket pricing discussed for this year’s Clearwater Jazz Holiday:
o $10 GA (Children under the age of 12 are free when accompanied by a paid GA adult attendee)
o $35 GA Great Lawn
o $55-90 Reserved Seating
o $175-$200 VIP
• Expected Attendance: 23k attendees over the four-day event
CJH Presents Holiday Experience
• Date: December 6, 2025
• Time: 5:30pm-9:15pm
• Location: Station Square Park
• Admission: $20
• Expected Attendance: 300
Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation is a longstanding, Clearwater-based nonprofit organization with a mission is rooted in the transformative power of live music and music education to inspire and enrich lives. For 46 years, the organization has brought the community together with Clearwater’s signature music festival - a multi-day jazzfest featuring diverse, world-class performances that bring a big cultural and economic impact. The impact also goes far beyond the stage. The organization celebrates and promotes the art form of jazz year-round through innovative music appreciation and instructional programs, special funding for student scholarships, jazz programs and jazz camps, online education resources, exciting performance opportunities, and creative, event-based learning experiences. Among those who benefit are schools, neighborhood family centers and other organizations, music students and jazz programs.
CJH Foundation Inc. has submitted event budgets totaling $1,305,620.00 and is requesting funding in the amount of $133,500. City fees for the October 16-19, 2025, event is estimated at $144,840.00, as calculated by Parks and Recreation. CJH Foundation Inc has applied for the City’s High Impact Special Event Co-sponsorship for the October 16-19, 2025, Clearwater Jazz Holiday event. If approved for the city’s co-sponsorship and DDB funding; CJH will receive $275,840 in public support.
DDB Grant Request:
Under Section 3 of the DDB Grant Request Policy, grants can be used to fund expenses related to marketing, entertainment, insurance, and city fees. Staff recommends awarding CJH an amount not to exceed $131,000, with $125,000 for eligible expenses for Clearwater Jazz Holiday and $6,000 for eligible expenses for CJH Presents Music Series Holiday Experience. As part of the DDB funding agreement CJH will provide elected officials VIP hospitality tickets for both events.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated to the FY 25/26 Special Event line of the budget- 1829411-558600
