SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Special Event Grant Funding Request from Unimex in an amount not to exceed $6,200 for the Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this item is to request approval of grant funding for the Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest, an event organized by Unimex.
Event Details:
• Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025
• Time: 2 PM to 10 PM
• Location: Coachman Park
• Admission: Free, family-friendly
• Expected Attendance: Approximately 1,500
• Features: Taco food trucks, vendors, live music, bounce house, and other community attractions
This event provides opportunities for small and emerging businesses to gain exposure and offers local musicians and bands a platform to showcase their talents. Following the event's success in 2024, Unimex aims to enhance and expand it into an annual tradition.
Unimex has submitted an event budget totaling $23,665 and requested funding in the amount of $10,800. The City of Clearwater has approved a Community Special Event Co-sponsorship of $10,000 to assist with city fees, equipment, public communication, and other qualified expenses.
City Fees and Sponsorship:
City fees for the event are estimated at $7,760, as calculated by Parks and Recreation staff. The $10,000 sponsorship is expected to cover a significant portion of these fees, as well as other eligible costs.
DDB Grant Request:
Under Section 3 of the DDB Grant Request Policy, grants can be used to fund expenses related to marketing, entertainment, insurance, and city fees. The total eligible expenses for this event are $16,200.
Given the city's $10,000 sponsorship and its coverage of similar expenses, staff recommends awarding $6,200 to Unimex. This amount will ensure coverage for insurance, marketing, entertainment, and remaining city fees not addressed by the city sponsorship.
Staff Recommendation:
Approve a DDB grant in the amount of $6,200 to support Unimex's event.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated to the FY 24/25 Special Event line of the budget- 1829411-558600
