Clearwater Downtown Development Board Meeting – November 20, 2025
Clearwater Downtown Development Board Meeting – November 20, 2025
Note: The agenda listed the meeting date as November 3, 2025; however, the provided meeting date is November 20, 2025. This summary uses the November 20 date as instructed.
The Downtown Development Board (DDB) of Clearwater, Florida convened on November 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM (though the actual meeting time is unclear from the transcript) to approve prior meeting minutes, authorize funding for three new events and a financial statement, and receive a director’s report. All votes were unanimous.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (ID#25-1079 and ID#25-1089): The board unanimously approved the minutes from the September 3, 2025, and September 17, 2025, DDB meetings.
New Business Items
- Friday Night Markets (ID#25-1104): The board approved revised dates (January 9 – February 7, 2026, six consecutive Fridays, 6–9 PM) for a themed Friday Night Market series on Cleveland Street in partnership with St. Petersburg College (SPC). The not-to-exceed amount is $50,000. SPC representatives expressed excitement, noting it celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Clearwater campus and provides opportunities for student entrepreneurs. The motion passed unanimously.
- World’s Largest Rubber Duck Exhibit (ID#25-1112): The board approved $21,005 in DDB funding for the “World’s Largest Rubber Duck” exhibit at Coachman Park, January 10–26, 2026. The duck is 61 feet tall (approx. six stories) and will be accompanied by a series of events (e.g., Jeep photo opportunities, Market Marie, Duck-5K, National Rubber Duck Day celebration, movie in the park, and a Jeep invasion). Staff emphasized the event’s potential to draw visitors from neighboring counties and generate social media buzz. Board members praised the strategic planning and low marketing budget ($1,500, leveraging the city’s communications department). The motion passed unanimously.
- Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest (ID#25-1114): The board approved $12,900 in DDB funding for a new family holiday event at Coachman Park on December 20, 2025, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Expected attendance: ~3,000. The organizer (Saucy Queen family) highlighted media coverage, holiday contests, and photo ops. In response to a board question, the organizer explained that the marketing budget of $9,000 was a high estimate and actual spending would likely be around $5,000, covering PR, ads, video, and drone footage. Board members noted the organizer’s previous success with Fall Y’All Festival. The motion passed unanimously.
- Financial Statement (ID#25-1122): The board approved the July–September 2025 financial statement for filing. Expenditures: July $15,482.98; August $20,989.58; September $72,787.96; unencumbered balance at fiscal year end: $216,109.71. Staff noted that final year-end close may require a future budget amendment to reallocate unspent funds.
Director’s Report
- Anne Lopez, CRA Assistant Director, presented the October 2025 Director’s Report, highlighting recent and upcoming events on Cleveland Street:
- Gimmick Art Walk (Nov. 6, 6–9 PM, 400 block).
- Clearwater Sister Cities celebration (Nov. 7, 6–8 PM, 400 block).
- Cornhole tournaments (ongoing, in partnership with St. Pete Cornhole).
- First Friday Lunchtime Market (Oct. 3): ~150 attendees, 11 vendors, positive merchant feedback. Next market Nov. 7 with 15 vendors.
- Salsa at the District (Dia de los Muertos party) well attended.
- Outdoor Cafe Grant: 4 businesses applied since Oct. 1 (up to $8,000 reimbursement).
- Cleveland Street Market updates: Several closures (Slow on the Go Cafe, Top Nosh/Tap House); new restaurant Saboroso expected; Flip Side Burger opening soon at Cleveland and Garden.
Key Outcomes
- All four new business items (3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4) were approved unanimously by voice vote.
- The board directed staff to continue monitoring Cleveland Street vacancies and report back.
- No public comments were made.
- Meeting adjourned after the director’s report.
Meeting Transcript
Expect uh Councilmember Cotton would be joining us later, and I don't know about Council uh board member Fraser if she's gonna be here today or not. But yeah, okay. With that, we'll proceed to agenda item 2.1. Is there a motion? Second. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed, unanimous. Agenda item 2.2, approve the minutes of the September 17, 2025 downtown development board meeting. Is there a motion? Move to approve gender item 2.2. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed, unanimous. Jet item 3.1. Good afternoon, Vicki Shire, Sierra Division Manager. This item was originally presented to the board on the April 2025 board meeting, um, part of the Cleveland Street activation plan. Due to the scheduling coordination challenges, staff along with our partners at St. St. Petersburg College agreed to postpone the market to early next year to allow more time for marketing, better recruitment, and overall planning. We are now seeking approval for the revised dates for the night Friday night market series, which will run for six consecutive weeks from January 9th through February 7th, every Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. on the 400 and 500 block of Cleveland Street. The final weekend will be February 6th and 7th, and will feature special Friday and Saturday market to close out with a big ta-da. Staff recommends approving the revised dates, and I have Miss Amaginda Monterra and Annabelle LeBish from St. Peter's College to answer any questions at this time. Okay. Either of you want to share anything further. What's been shared? Good afternoon. Um we're just excited for this project to eventually uh launch finally, and um this is something that we've been looking forward to having. Our students, our um entrepreneurs are excited as well. So thank you for your time and and consideration for this project. We're happy to be celebrating the 60th year of the Clearwater campus of St. Petersburg College, and such an important part of our community and has been for 60 years. So we appreciate this opportunity to partner with the college again. So with that um is there a motion? Move to approve agenda item 3.1. Second. Not all those in favor. Aye. Opposed, unanimous. Thank you. Thank you for being here today. Jet item 3.2. This next item before you is for the world's largest rubber duck exhibit. You've been provided with a revised budget with staff, which staff received on Friday, October 31st. After reviewing the updated information, staff is still recommending 21,500 in eligible expenses for DDB. At this time, I have Amber Bryce from Arts and Culture Affairs Manager and Jules Smith, recreation supervisor, whom are producing the events and here to provide any additional information regarding the budget and the event details.
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