SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a High Impact Funding request in an amount not to exceed $23,760.00 for the Cinco De Mayo Taco Fest, produced by Unimex at Coachman Park on May 3, 2026.
Body
SUMMARY:
Cinco De Mayo Taco Fest is a family-friendly cultural celebration designed to activate downtown Clearwater through live entertainment, food vendors, and interactive programming.
The event will feature a full day of programming including live performances, a cumbia dance contest, and a variety of food vendors offering authentic cuisine. The festival is free and open to the public, encouraging attendance from residents, visitors, and surrounding communities.
Event Details:
• Date: May 3, 2026
• Time: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Location: Coachman Park
• Estimated Attendance: 2,000
Event Highlights:
• Local food vendors featuring tacos and traditional cuisine
• Live music and cultural performances
• Interactive cumbia dance contests
SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION:
• Instagram: Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/unimexfl>
• Facebook Event Page: <https://www.facebook.com/share/1KPiSoaFLD/>
• Website: UNIMEX <https://www.unimx.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQnpHhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6dUlIQ0ljSjJhUDN1ekd0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHopbY7b2OFo-8KodtCyycGRm_FPCpaZJUYjFOZWAk35zr3AuVlrMpxLyZSmp_aem_MZJeSMvinh0rprn1Lmdx6g>
EVENT BUDGET & FUNDING CALCULATION:
• Total Expenses: $29,700.00
• Total Revenue: $5,940.00
• Calculation for DDB Funding Request:
o $29,700.00 - $5,940.00 = $23,760.00
• Staff Recommendation: $23,760.00
• Applicant’s Funding Request: $23,760.00
Placer Ai Data for 2025 event was 4,100 attendees
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of funding not to exceed $23,760.00 for the Cinco De Mayo Taco Fest to support eligible event costs. This applicant meets the High Impact Event Funding criteria, as the funding request does not exceed $30,000, the event is expected to draw more than 2,000 attendees, and it is free and open to the public. The applicant is an established event organizer with at least two years of experience producing large-scale events, defined as those exceeding 2,000 attendees, and contributes at least 20% of the total estimated event cost, including third-party sponsorships.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this request is available in cost code 1829411-558600, Marketing.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
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, and supports small businesses.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for community events, cultural experiences, and waterfront activation.
