SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Provide direction on continuing revenue-generating Amusement Activities authorized through RFP 35-25. (Discussion Only)
Body
SUMMARY:
In 2025, the City issued Request for Proposals (RFP 35-25) seeking innovative temporary attractions and activities that would enhance the visitor experience while generating additional revenue for the City. The intent of the solicitation was to provide flexibility for vendors to propose a variety of entertainment concepts rather than limiting responses to a single attraction.
As a result of that solicitation, the city received six proposals. The city entered into a trial agreement with a kayak company to provide kayak services for the public and with Interstate Amusements to operate a Ferris wheel in Clearwater. Ferris wheel operations began during the last weekend of November 2025 in Coachman Park and relocated in February 2026 to Clearwater Beach and have been operating at Pier 60 Park ever since.
The flexibility of the RFP also allowed the City to authorize a temporary trackless train during the 2026 Sugar Sand Festival, creating an additional revenue opportunity.
During the original procurement process, one of the stakeholders expressed concern that the scope of the RFP was too broad and that it needed to be more specific and bid out again. Since the intent of the RFP was to secure new revenue sources staff proceeded to enter into a trial contract to see if it would be profitable and accepted by the public. If feedback was positive a new RFP could be considered.
Performance Update
Since operations began in late November 2025, the Ferris wheel has generated $91,714.62 in revenue for the City. Additionally, the temporary trackless train operated during the Sugar Sand Festival generated $4,067.20 in revenue. Combined, these attractions have generated $95,781.82 in City revenue through July 2026
Revenue by month:
|
Month |
Revenue |
|
November* |
$921.60 |
|
December |
$3,666.82 |
|
January |
$5,336.20 |
|
February |
$6,029.20 |
|
March |
$15,908.40 |
|
April |
$16,831.60 |
|
May |
$10,345.60 |
|
June |
$14,470.00 |
|
July |
$18,205.20 |
*Operations began during the last weekend of November.
Discussion
Based on the eight full months of operation, the agreement has demonstrated the City's ability to generate additional revenue through temporary amusement attractions while providing another activity for residents and visitors. As the current agreement continues, staff is seeking Council direction regarding future procurement and operational strategy. Options include:
Option 1 - Continue with Current Contract
• Continue utilizing the existing agreement and broad procurement model for temporary attractions.
• Allows flexibility to consider multiple attraction types as opportunities arise.
Option 2 - Issue a New Targeted Solicitation RFP.
• Develop a new RFP with more specific requirements regarding the type, location, duration, or number of attractions.
• Addresses feedback received during the original procurement process regarding the broad scope of the solicitation and competing proposals for similar attractions.
• Could provide greater clarity to prospective vendors and stakeholders.
• Could provide for more revenue than current contract.
Option 3 - Discontinue the Program
• Allow the current activity to conclude after one year and discontinue temporary amusement attractions on City property in November 2026.
• Eliminate the associated revenue opportunity while also addressing concerns related to the attraction's presence.
Requested Council Direction
Staff requests Council direction regarding the future of the City's temporary amusement attraction program by indicating whether Council wishes to:
1. Continue under the current agreement and procurement approach;
2. Develop and issue a more narrowly defined solicitation (RFP), for future attractions; or
3. Discontinue the program following completion of the current agreement.