SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve an Agreement between the Community Redevelopment Agency and Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc., a Florida non-profit corporation, to produce Downtown Clearwater’s festival series (Blast Fridays, Miracle on Cleveland Street, Cruisin’ at the Capitol) in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2017-2018, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
The Community Redevelopment Agency proposes to contract with Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. to produce a downtown festival series that includes seven events, tentatively scheduled as follows:
• December 2, 2017 - Miracle on Cleveland Street
• January 26, 2018 - Blast Friday
• Mid-February - Cruisin’ at the Cap
• February 23, 2018 - Blast Friday
• March 30, 2018 - Blast Friday
• April 27, 2018 - Blast Friday
• May 25, 2018 - Blast Friday
The festival series continues to gain popularity from local residents and visitors, and it has become an important economic generator for downtown businesses. With support and participation from various entities, including the CRA, Downtown Development Board, and Downtown Clearwater Merchant’s Association, the festival series is improving in quality and impact each year.
Downtown Clearwater’s 2017-2018 festival series will showcase and celebrate Downtown Clearwater’s assets, as well as promote the area’s potential for future growth and activity.
The Downtown Development Board has allocated $30,000 to help fund the festival series, subject to CRA favorable action.
CRA staff recommends approval of the Fiscal Year 2017-2018 Agreement between the CRA and Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
$100,000 09311-581000
Funds are available in cost code 0188-09311-581000, payment to other agency, to fund this agreement.