SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Provide direction on the unsolicited proposal submitted by Sunshine Recreational and Development LLC in accordance with Florida Statute 255.065 Public Private Partnership for the purpose of development and leasehold interest of a city-owned property at 1875 Airport Drive, commonly referred to as the Landings Golf Course for a large-scale recreational and sports tourism complex.
Body
SUMMARY:
The City of Clearwater has received an unsolicited proposal to redevelop the Landings Golf Course, a city-owned recreational property located at 1875 Airport Drive in Clearwater. The property currently operates as a municipal golf course and driving range serving residents and visitors.
On November 2, 2025, Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment, LLC submitted an unsolicited proposal. This proposal was determined to be insufficient to evaluate. On December 30, 2025, Sunshine Recreation and Entertainment, LLC submitted an amended proposal which was accepted for further review and evaluation. The proposal has been evaluated under the guidelines outlined in Florida Statute 255.065, which allows governmental entities to consider public-private partnerships for qualifying public infrastructure and development projects. A copy of the December 30, 2025-proposal from Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment LLC, along with supplemental information from the applicant have been provided.
The proposed project includes the following features:
• Multi-purpose sports fields
• Pickleball courts
• Aquatic and water park attractions
• Fitness and wellness facilities
• Restaurants and food service venues
• Publicly accessible walking and biking trails
• Event and tournament programming
The total estimated project cost is $179.6 million, and according to the proposal construction is anticipated to take approximately three years to complete.
A high-level review and evaluation of the proposal was completed using a third-party financial firm, Public Resources Advisory Group (PRAG) and several city departments. PRAG and departments were asked to review and evaluate the proposal and provide feedback from multiple perspectives such as financial viability, development risk, site plan considerations, recreational compatibility, and economic development impact. Preliminary input on these issues was considered essential to evaluating and analyzing the unsolicited proposal. An outcome of this review determined that the multi-sport complex recreational use presented is consistent with the Open Space Recreational zoning use of the City of Clearwater and a referendum of the voters to consider the project is not required.
The council will hear presentations from city staff and the applicant - Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment LLC. The city staff presentation will also provide an opportunity for the Public Resources Advisory Group to provide details about the results of their review.
Upon conclusion of the presentations and public comment, the council has several decisions at its disposal:
• The council may accept the proposal as a qualifying project under Sec. 255.065, F.S. and direct staff to proceed with the unsolicited proposal in accordance with Sec. 255.065(3)(c).
• The council may accept the proposal as a qualifying project under Sec. 255.065, F.S. and direct staff to solicit other proposals in accordance with Sec. 255.065(3)(b).
• The council may reject the unsolicited proposal from Sunshine Recreational and Entertainment LLC.
It is the opinion of city staff that the results of the review and evaluation of the proposal provide enough information to warrant acceptance as a qualified project for consideration by the Clearwater City Council. Therefore, it is recommended that, based on the preliminary feedback from city departments and the PRAG review and analysis, the city council should direct the City Manager to seek additional proposals. Additional proposals will be solicited by posting an advertisement and allow 30 days for proposals to be submitted. All valid, accepted responses will be shared with the City of Clearwater City Council.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
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USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
Objective 2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
Objective 2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
