SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve High Impact Request in the amount not to exceed $13,000.00 for Tasty Tampa Bay, where local vendors and food trucks will showcase the very best bites from around the bay, located at Coachman Park on February 21, 2026, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
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SUMMARY:
Tasty Tampa Bay at Coachman Park is a free, family- and pet-friendly festival celebrating the best local food, beverages, and artisan offerings from across the Tampa Bay region. The event will feature an array of savory dishes, indulgent sweets, unique artisan products, culinary demonstrations, and engaging food-focused contests. Celebrity judges will recognize and award the top food trucks and restaurants, highlighting the tastiest dishes in the Bay.
This festival is designed to attract residents, visitors, and food enthusiasts to downtown Clearwater, drawing an estimated 3,000-5,000 attendees throughout the day. By offering a vibrant, waterfront experience, Tasty Tampa Bay encourages exploration of downtown businesses and restaurants, supports local entrepreneurs, and showcases Clearwater as a lively and welcoming community destination. The event aligns with the DDB mission and the City’s Strategic Plan.
APPLICANT REQUEST & REPORT OUT:
The applicant is requesting $18,000.00 in funding to cover direct production costs and city fees for Tasty Tampa Bay.
TASTY TAMPA BAY: BUDGET & FUNDING CALCULATION:
• Total Expenses: $22,500.00
• Total Revenue: $9,500.00
Calculation for DDB Funding Request:
• Total Expenses-Total Revenue=$13,000.00
• DDB Eligible Expenses $13,000.00
PAST FUNDING INFORMATION:
Intensity Academy has received funding for recent and upcoming downtown events. Fall Y’All hosted on October 4 and 5 of 2025 was allocated $30,000.00 but did not utilize the full amount, and the event was very successful, attracting strong community participation. In addition, Intensity Academy has been approved for $12,900.00 in funding to support Jingle Bell Fest, scheduled for December 20, 2025, providing a festive, family- and community-friendly holiday celebration in downtown Clearwater.
Staff recommends approval of funding not to exceed $13,000.00 for Tasty Tampa Bay on February 21,2026, to cover direct production costs and city fees. The applicant meets all DDB funding criteria under the DDB Grant Request Policy and Procedures
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
1829411-558600, Marketing
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
• 2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
• 2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
• 2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
