SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Community Event Grant Funding Request from Clearwater Closet to produce 6-month pilot pop-up event series in an amount not to exceed $15,000 and authorize the appropriate officials to execute the same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The owner of Clearwater Closet, Austin Summer, proposes a six-month pilot program to activate Downtown Clearwater with one pop-up event per month, located at 624 Chestnut Street, Clearwater, FL, 33756. Beginning June 28, 2025, each event will feature live music, community activities, and vendor participation aimed at promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The program will:
• Create a vibrant, inclusive gathering space.
• Foster collaborative partnerships with small businesses (currently engaging Restoration Café).
• Grow attendance to justify expansion into larger Downtown venues, thereby boosting foot traffic and supporting existing merchants.
Funding Request:
• Total Event Budget: $22,500 (6 events)
• DDB Funding Requested: $17,700 (78.6% of total)
• Applicant Contribution: $7,800 (34.7% of total budget)
• City Fees: None (events held on private property)
DDB Grant Request Policy Compliance:
Under Section 3 of the DDB Grant Request Policy for Community Event Funding, the proposal meets all criteria:
1. Attendance: Estimated +300 more
2. Accessibility: Free and open to the public
3. Applicant Match: Contribution meets the minimum 20% threshold
4. Supporting Materials: Past event summaries and impact assessments provided
Staff Recommendation:
The request aligns with both the DDB’s mission and the City’s Strategic Plan, and staff recommends approval in an amount not to exceed $15,000 for eligible direct costs.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated over two years $10,000 in FY 24/25 and $5,000 in FY 25/26.
Special Event line of the budget- 1829411-558600
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
DDB Strategy:
• Fund a Variety of Special Events throughout the DDB District
City’s Strategy:
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.
