SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Capital Project Funding Agreement grant for the renovations of the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex, Fields 1 through 4 in the amount of $7,750,000, between Pinellas County and the City of Clearwater and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The city has been awarded a grant from Pinellas County in the amount of $7,750,000 for the renovations and improvements to the Eddie C. Moore Complex Fields 1 - 4 located at 3050 Drew Street.
The E.C. Moore Complex is Clearwater’s National and State award-winning facility featuring nine softball fields and two soccer fields. The oldest of the softball fields, Fields 1 - 4, were built in the early 1980’s and need renovation and refurbishment. Funds from this grant will be matched by the city to establish a project that will include the construction of a new two-story press box building featuring expanded restrooms, multipurpose spaces, an elevator, the necessary technology to broadcast games on TV and radio, as well as new dugouts with restrooms, permanent seating, scoreboards, LED lighting for all nine softball fields, landscaping and site work needed to support the overall project. This renovation is estimated to cost between $17,750,000 to $20,000,000 and is anticipated to be completed prior to the ESPN Invitational Tournament to be held in February 2028. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for the design of this project has been received and a recommendation regarding the selected design team will be forth coming at a future City Council meeting.
A capital project, C2510 - E.C. Moore Renovation was established in the fiscal year 2024/25 budget with funding planned for renovations to the Softball Complex. In addition, this project includes funding for renovations to E.C. Morre Soccer Fields East and West while the complex is under construction. The total project budget for E.C. Moore Renovations is anticipated to be $21,850,000. The project funding includes this TDC award of $7,750,000; $100,000 of General Fund revenue currently available, and future General Fund revenue of $14,000,000 budgeted in fiscal years 2026 through 2029.
When completed, minimal additional operating impacts, if any, will be incurred in support of this project as this is a renovation and much of the existing inefficient and outdated infrastructure will be replaced and sufficient staffing is already in place for maintenance.
Under this agreement the city will provide various marketing and sponsorship benefits to Visit St. Pete-Clearwater (VisitSPC) for a period of ten years.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
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.
• 1.5: Embrace a culture of innovation that drives continuous improvement and successfully serves all our customers.
• 2.3: Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
• 3.1: Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.
