SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a High Impact Grant funding request from Florida Best Promotions Inc. to produce the Salsa & Bachata at the District - Halloween Costume Block Party on October 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Florida Best Promotions Inc. is requesting High Impact Event Funding assistance for the Salsa & Bachata at the District - Halloween Costume Block Party, a free public event hosted on October 31, 2026, on the 500 Block of Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater. The event will feature live music, dance performances, dance lessons, cultural entertainment, vendors, and a Halloween costume celebration. The estimated attendance is 5,000.
The applicant has been approved to receive $8,253.50 worth of in-kind service through the City of Clearwater High Impact Event Co-Sponsorship Program. They have also applied for Elite Event Funding Program through Visit St. Pete/Clearwater in an amount of $10,000. The applicant will know if approved for the grant by August 25, 2026. If approved for the VSPC Grant of $10,000; $5,000 must be used for marketing and the remaining $5,000 for event-related expenses.
Funding Request:
• Total Event Budget: $69,400
• Sponsorship: $19,000
• City High Impact Event Co-Sponsorship (In-Kind): $8,253.50
• Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Grant (Pending): $10,000
• DDB Funding Requested: $55,600
The applicant received $15,000 in DDB funding for the 2025 Salsa in the District event. The applicant estimated attendance at 5,000, while Placer.ai estimated approximately 2,300 attendees.
The application meets the High Impact Event Funding eligibility requirements. While the applicant is requesting $55,600 in funding, the DDB High Impact Event Funding Policy provides for awards up to $30,000; therefore, staff recommends funding in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated from the FY 2026/27 Downtown Development Board Marketing Line, Account 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 empower community pride and belonging.
