SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a High Impact Grant funding request from Florida Best Promotions Inc. to produce the Salsa and Bachata at the District - Halloween Costume Block Party on October 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $20,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Florida Best Promotions Inc. is requesting High Impact Event Funding for the Salsa & Bachata at the District - Halloween Costume Block Party, a free public event scheduled for October 31, 2026, on the 500 and 600 Block of Cleveland Street in Downtown Clearwater. The event will include live music, dance performances, dance lessons, cultural entertainment, and vendors. The applicant estimates attendance of approximately 5,000 attendees.
This item was previously presented to the Downtown Development Board on August 3, 2026. Staff has provided both the previously submitted budget and the updated budget from the applicant.
The previously submitted budget reflected a total event cost of $69,400 and a DDB funding request of $55,600. The updated budget reflects a total event cost of $57,253.50 and a DDB funding request of $30,000.
The applicant received $15,000 in DDB funding for the 2025 event, which had an attendance of approximately 2,200 attendees based on Placer.ai data. Staff has asked the applicant to reach out to downtown merchants to obtain feedback regarding the event and its impact on surrounding businesses, as well as providing information on the food vendors expected to participate in the 2026 event.
Funding Request:
• Total Event Budget: $57,253.50
• Third Party Sponsorship: $37,253.50
• DDB Funding Request: $30,000.00
• Staff Recommendation: $20,000.00
High Impact Event Funding
• Funding request not to exceed $30,000
• Estimated attendance exceeding 2,000 (over the entirety of the event)
• Events must be free and open to the public
• Applicants’ contribution is 20% of the total event estimated cost
• Must be an established event organizer with 2+ years of experience operating large-scale events. A large-scale event is defined as an event exceeding 2,000 people in attendance.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommend approval of funding in an amount not to exceed $20,000 per the High Impact Event Funding policy.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated from the FY 2026/27 Downtown Development Board Special Events Budget, Account 1829411-558600, marketing.
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.
