SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Community Grant funding request from the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society to produce a one-day Ukulele Festival in Downtown Clearwater, in an amount not to exceed $15,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Tampa Bay Ukulele Society (TBUS) will host a Ukulele Music Festival on Sunday, March 15, 2026, in Downtown Clearwater. The festival will feature live music performances on the 400 and 500 blocks of Cleveland Street from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a concert on the Green at Coachman Park from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event will include entertainment, educational activities, beginner ukulele lessons, and advanced sessions for experienced players offered throughout the day.
The 2026 Ukulele Festival is expected to attract approximately 850-1,000 attendees, with over 300 anticipated at the Coachman Park concert. Now in its fourth year, the festival supports local businesses and activates downtown spaces, aligning with the DDB’s mission.
According to the applicant’s event report, the 2025 festival (held on April 12) drew an estimated 2,500-3,000 attendees circulating within the two-block area of Downtown Clearwater between 11:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Funding Request:
• Total Project Cost: $27,100
• Applicant Contribution: $7,500
• Revenue-Based Income: $4,600
• DDB Funding Requested: $15,000
DDB Grant Request Policy:
Under Section 3 of the DDB Grant Request Policy for Community Event Funding, the proposal meets all criteria’s.
Staff Recommendation:
The request aligns with the DDB’s mission and the City’s Strategic Plan. Staff recommend approval in an amount not to exceed $15,000 for eligible direct costs and city fees.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated in FY 25/26. Special Event line of the budget - 1829411-558600
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
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 foster community pride and belonging.
