SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the Restrictive Covenant required by the State of Florida for a Cultural Facilities Grant awarded to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same. (consent)
Body
SUMMARY:
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. was awarded a Cultural Facilities grant from State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs in the amount of $250,000 to be used only for the acquisition, renovation, and construction of the cultural facility in accordance with Section 265.701(1), Florida Statutes.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruth Eckerd Hall served 465,400 Floridians through 538 annual events. The K-12 education programs reached over 45,000 students annually. The Hall continues to find creative ways to serve constituents during the pandemic.
Appropriation funding will be used for the renovation of an existing area to create an outdoor theater, called The England Family Music Garden allowing students and patrons to distance safely, outdoors, while participating in programming. Once completed, this updated venue will engage and serve patrons providing education space, professional development, and performance space.
As the owner, the City of Clearwater is required to approve a Restrictive Covenant stating that the facility will be used as a “cultural facility” for 10 years following the execution of the grant award, which was July 1, 2021 and the funding will expire June 1, 2023; however, the project is estimated to be completed by December 31, 2021.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
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USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A