SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve a Community Event Funding request from Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill for the Hello Cleveland Street Live Music Series on the 400 Block of Cleveland Street from October 2026 through May 2027, in an amount not to exceed $15,000.
Body
SUMMARY:
Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill, on behalf of the 400 Block Merchants, is requesting $120,000 in Community Event Funding to continue the Hello Cleveland Street Live Music Series from October 2026 through May 2027. The series will include 35 Saturday evening patio events on the 400 Block of Cleveland Street, with each event taking place from 5:00p.m. to 11:00p.m. Events will be free and open to the public. The applicant estimates approximately 300 attendees per event.
For purposes of this request, a “patio event” is limited to the approved outdoor café space, with the stage located within one parking space. Any deviation from the originally approved special event permit will require the applicant to submit a new special event application for approval. No additional DDB funding will be requested for such changes.
The applicant has been a recipient of the DDB Micro-Grant Program since January 2026. To date, the organization has been awarded a total of $44,562.00 through the Micro-Grant Program to support the Friday and Saturday evening patio versions of the Hello Cleveland Street Live Music Series.
The applicant is requesting a longer-term funding structure to provide upfront funding for event expenses. According to the application and supporting memo, this funding structure would allow the organizers to secure bands earlier and improve event planning and marketing. Additional information regarding the applicant's proposed upfront funding structure is provided in the supporting memo.
Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill and the DDB will be the parties to the agreement. The 400 Block Merchants will not be a party to the agreement.
Funding Request:
• Total Event Budget: $150,000.00
• Applicant Contribution: $30,000.00
• DDB Funding Requested: $120,000.00
DDB Community Event Funding Criteria:
The application meets the eligibility requirements for Community Event Funding, including:
• Funding request not to exceed $15,000
• Estimated attendance of 300 or more
• Event must be free and open to the public
• Applicant contribution is 20% of total estimated event cost
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of a reimbursement Community Event Funding Grant in an amount not to exceed $15,000, per the DDB Community Event Policy.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this grant will be allocated from the FY 2026/27 Downtown Development Board cost code 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.