So moved.

Second.

All those in favor?

All right.

Opposed, unanimous.

Move to item three on the agenda today.

Are there any citizens here today who desire to be heard on uh items that are not on today's agenda?

Uh Jill Gibbs from Clearwater.

Um, I wasn't sure if or when I would have another opportunity to do this.

So I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, Mr.

Margolis, for your service to our city.

Uh your commitment to the law combined with your faithful dedication to the people of Clearwater has been an invaluable gift to our city.

We can only hope that our city council and staff will remain committed to do the same.

With our citizens' current effort to protect our downtown city streets, I can assure you that you will be deeply missed.

Of the almost 7,000 Clearwater voters who signed the initiative, many, and I emphasize many have stated their deep appreciation for you and your diligent efforts in your research with regards to South Garden Avenue.

Your hard work and professional insight has not gone unnoticed.

And while I completely understand your decision to resign, please know that the people have your back and will forever be grateful for your supportive and lawful role and that you've played in a very crucial time in Clearwater, in which the results are still yet to be determined.

And if there's any chance for you to reconsider, the citizens of Clearwater would very much appreciate if you remained, but nonetheless, thank you, and may God very much bless your next chapter.

Thank you.

Are there any other citizens to be heard today regarding items that are not on today's CRA agenda?

Good morning.

No, afternoon.

I'm sorry.

But we had our 11th annual community family fun night, and we were uh very excited to welcome thousands of guests who came.

Uh first I want to thank those of you who did come for those of you who didn't, we'll see you all hopefully this year.

Uh this year we welcomed almost 5,000 people that came to the event.

It was it was absolutely um amazing, it was wonderful.

Uh we created a vibe experience, and as I think about um as you're embarking on downtown Clearwater and how do you create that thing that makes people want to come downtown Clearwater.

Um, and so I'd like to have that conversation with you at some time later on about that, some of the things that maybe we can contribute to that, uh, some things that we do that help too, and it's not just because it is a is a free event, but it's it is a an experience that we bring to the people and it's very diverse.

We have people from across the board that come to this event, and this was year 11 that we've done it, and I've just uh I can't say enough.

We had a little less than 5,000 people that came to the event.

Our final numbers gave it more about 4700 people that actually came.

Um for those of you who were there, you saw the numbers, and so it was great.

And I want to thank the city of Clearwater.

Thank you for your support and all you do, and especially Dan Slaughter, um, because he has supported us from the very beginning, and he helped us and he saw the vision, and he was there helping and all that great stuff.

And Mr.

Margolis, I I second that motion.

I hope that you maybe will reconsider um your decision.

But anyway, thank you all so much, appreciate it.

And I'll I'll fill out a card to get that to you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Any other citizens here today that would be uh desire to be heard on items that are not on today's CRA agenda.

Hearing saying none, we'll move to item 4.1.

Present the 2025 business spotlight winners.

Good afternoon.

My name is Tasha Attley, CRE specialist, and the item I bring for you today is the Business Spotlight Program.

This second installment builds on the success of the 2024-25 business spotlight program, expanding recognition to businesses in the downtown Clearwater and North Greenwood redevelopment areas, while also honoring our legacy businesses with long-term standing community ties.

CRA staff is proud to honor nine winners whose work reflects the diversity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The business spotlight winners from February through October are Direct Mail 2.0, One Stop Shop, New Vision Behavioral Health, Tequila's Mexican Catina, Hatchet Hangout, Social Sips Cafe, Soul Sicilian Fusion, Downtown Pizza, and Emily's Restaurant.

Working in partnership with the city's public communications team, staff will provide each feature business with coordinated marketing support, storytelling opportunities, and public recognition designed to elevate their visibility.

These business spotlight winners support the city and CRA goals of the small business growth and economic development consistent with the downtown and North Korean wood redevelopment areas.

Congratulations to all of our business spotlight winners.

Content for our winners will be featured on myClearwater CRA.com/slash spotlight.

And at this time, I invite the businesses that are in attendance to stand to be recognized.

Are there any questions?

Okay.

Questions, comments, I think you know, just this program's been a great success, and we uh appreciate all that came in here today, and you've been honored the past year because you're so important to not just downtown Clearwater but to all of Clearwater.

And uh we want to uh work with you as a community, not just uh council and the city government, but as an entire community here in Clearwater to help continue to make your businesses successful.

We're very proud of you, the work you do, and the great service you provide to customers, and thank you for being here today and letting us recognize you again.