SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a High Impact Grant funding request from Florida Best Promotion Inc. to support Salsa at the District - Halloween Edition on November 1, 2025, in an amount not to exceed $29,200, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
This item was previously presented to the Board, with the request that it be revisited once the applicant secured their grant from Visit St. Pete Clearwater (VSPC). The applicant has since confirmed receipt of a $20,000 grant from VSPC for marketing. The applicant was also approved for a City of Clearwater High Impact Co-Sponsorship in the amount of $9,710 on May 15, 2025.
Salsa at the District - Halloween Edition is a free, one-night cultural event scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2025, in Downtown Clearwater’s Station Square Park and the 500 block, from 6pm-11pm. This vibrant event will feature live Salsa orchestras, Latin DJs, dance lessons, cultural performances, and authentic Latin cuisine. Guests are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and join in the festivities.
Salsa at the District directly supports Downtown revitalization by increasing pedestrian traffic, stimulating business activity, and strengthening Clearwater’s identity as a place for dynamic cultural experiences.
Funding Request
• Total Event Budget: $74,440.40
• Applicant Contribution: $15,530.40
• Third Party Contributions:
o Approved High Impact Co-Sponsorship in the amount of $9,710
o Approved VSPC Grant $20,000
o Additional Sponsorships $10,000
• DDB Funding Requested: $30,000
DDB Grant Request Policy & Staff Recommendation
Under Section 3 of the DDB Grant Request Policy for Community Event Funding, the proposal meets all required criteria:
• Attendance: Estimated at over 2,000 attendees
• Accessibility: Event is free and open to the public
• Applicant Match: Exceeds the minimum 20% matching requirement
• Supporting Materials: Includes impact summaries and a history of past events
Staff Recommendation
In alignment with the DDB Policy and the updated budget, staff recommends awarding a grant of an amount not to exceed $29,200 to support eligible expenses identified in the applicant’s budget, specifically for mitigation, entertainment, and audio-visual equipment. A grant of $29,200 will reduce the applicants out of pocket expense, but will still meet the DDB policy of a 20% match.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding will be allocated in FY 25/26 under the Special Event line of the budget - 1829411-558600
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.