SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Downtown Development Board (DDB) Outdoor Café Grant Program, providing reimbursement grants of up to $8,000 per business for qualifying outdoor furniture and umbrellas, with program funding not to exceed $50,000, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the same.
Body
SUMMARY:
Downtown Clearwater continues to advance its revitalization and community redevelopment goals as outlined in the DDB Work Plan, and the City’s Strategic Plan. While recent public and private investments have made visible improvements to the streetscape and infrastructure, ongoing success in the downtown core depends on the vibrancy, aesthetic appeal, and functionality of public spaces, especially those that support small businesses and activate street-level experiences.
The Program which will begin on October 1, 2025, directly supports these goals by offering up to $8,000 in reimbursement funding per business for the purchase of qualifying outdoor furniture and umbrellas. A one-time retroactive reimbursement is also available for eligible purchases made by merchants. This initiative improves visual consistency and encourages outdoor dining, contributing to a more welcoming, pedestrian-friendly environment that benefits both residents and visitors.
This program is especially important to support the DDB’s placemaking and business assistance priorities. By enhancing the appearance and functionality of outdoor dining areas, the program encourages greater pedestrian activity, supports local entrepreneurs, and contributes to a more vibrant and cohesive streetscape. High-quality, consistent outdoor furnishings help create an inviting atmosphere that draws people into the downtown core, strengthens the identity of the district, and reinforces downtown Clearwater as a destination for dining, shopping, and social experiences. This investment not only improves customer experience but also directly assists small businesses in increasing their visibility, expanding their seating capacity, and attracting repeat patrons.
Staff anticipate a total program expenditure of $50,000, which will support multiple eligible businesses on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional funds may be allocated to the program on an annual basis, as needed. This proactive investment ensures that downtown businesses are equipped to weather construction impacts while continuing to provide quality service and contribute to the district’s long-term vitality.
Staff while visiting businesses along Cleveland Street overheard positive comments from business owners and patrons regarding the style of umbrellas that Downtown Pizza Sports Bar & Grill use. Additionally, staff conducted an informal survey of the businesses on Cleveland Street to get feedback on umbrellas for the program, below is a recap of the responses;
“We’ve researched outdoor umbrellas extensively and found that residential-grade options don’t last in our environment-they fade, break easily, and aren’t built for wind. Commercial-grade umbrellas, while more expensive, are far more durable and come with longer warranties. A grant program would help businesses afford these higher-quality options”. - Clear Sky on Cleveland
“We recommend each business ‘owning’ a distinct umbrella color to avoid redundancy and maintain variety across the district”. - Chiang Mai Thai & Sushi Bar
“Umbrellas often struggle with wind and don’t always provide adequate sun coverage. Design standards should encourage stronger materials, distinct colors between restaurants, and prohibit logos or advertising. Variety in umbrella colors will enhance the visual appeal of downtown". - Olive and Thyme
Staff is requesting funding in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for:
•Reimbursement grants to eligible downtown businesses for qualifying outdoor furniture and umbrellas.
The goals and objectives of the program are the following:
• Improve Downtown’s Visual Appeal and Public Realm
• Key Performance Indicators:
•Ensure participating merchants install umbrellas that meet approved design and standards.
• Monitor and report the percentage of umbrella installations that are compliant with program guidelines.
• Strengthen Community Impact through Full Program Utilization
• Key Performance Indicators:
• Allocate and distribute 100% of available reimbursement funds by the end of the FY 25-26.
• Track the percentage of total funds utilized and the number of merchants reimbursed.
The request aligns with both the DDB’s mission and the City’s Strategic Plan. Staff recommends approval of this program.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be available in FY 25/26, Business Assistance category of the budget - 1829411-558700.
STRATEGIC Objectives:
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1 Support neighborhood identify through services and programs that empower community pride and belonging.