Clearwater Downtown Development Board Meeting - July 13, 2026
Clearwater Downtown Development Board Meeting - July 13, 2026
The Clearwater Downtown Development Board (DDB) met on July 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers. The board approved a tentative millage rate, financial statements, a new downtown branding logo and messaging platform, a high-impact grant for an Asian food and music festival, received updates on mobile vending and past events, and heard the director's report. All votes were unanimous.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (ID#26-0758): Unanimously approved the minutes of the June 1, 2026 DDB meeting.
- Tentative Millage Rate (ID#26-0742): Unanimously adopted a tentative millage rate of 0.9700 mills for fiscal year 2026/2027 – the same as the current year, and 0.65% above the rolled-back rate of 0.9637 mills. Set public hearings on the millage and budget for September 15, 2026 and September 21, 2026, both at 5:15 PM.
- May 2026 Financial Statement (ID#26-0763): Unanimously approved the May 2026 financial statement for filing. May expenditures totaled $35,467; year-to-date expenditures and transfers were approximately $894,991; total budget balance was $1,177,705. Remaining balances were reallocated to the unallocated special events grants line.
Discussion Items
- New Logo and Branding for Downtown Clearwater (ID#26-0784): Michael Wynne of RB Oppenheim Associates (RBOA) presented the final logo, iconography, and messaging platform “Find It in Downtown Clearwater.” The branding is designed as a destination brand, not a government program, with icons for different experiences (flavor, rhythm, style, etc.). Board members praised the process, flexibility, and potential for reshaping perceptions. One board member expressed a personal opinion that the logo does not reflect downtown Clearwater but acknowledged its utility. The board unanimously approved the new logo and branding.
- High Impact Grant – Mega Asian Food and Music Festival (ID#26-0755): Vicky Shire presented a request from MIA International Inc. for a three-day festival (August 21–23, 2026) at Coachman Park, expecting 20,000 visitors. The applicant, Chris Lee, detailed past successful large events, use of influencers, and a budget of $129,070. The board questioned revenue sources, local vendor inclusion, and risk to taxpayers. The applicant noted they invited downtown restaurants to participate for free, and that vendor fees ($600–$800) are a revenue source. Staff recommended funding not to exceed $30,000; the board unanimously approved that amount.
- Cleveland Street Mobile Vending Program Update (ID#26-0787): Staff reported refinements to the program, simplified name, alignment with city permitting, and a call for vendors – 24 expressed interest. Operational details like spacing and locations on the 400 block of Cleveland Street are being finalized. Target launch date: September 1, 2026. The board looked forward to further details.
- Event Recap – Cinco de Mayo Taco Fest 2026 (ID#26-0756): Eric Gascamilla from Unimex reported that the third annual event on May 3, 2026 exceeded expectations: Placer AI data showed 4,100 attendees versus an anticipated 2,000. Board members commended the growth and noted the positive impact of a television partner (Telemundo).
- DDB First Friday Lunchtime Market Report (ID#26-0788): Vicky Shire reported on the seven-month series (October 2025 – April 2026) that attracted 1,207 visitors (average ~172 per event), with highest attendance in October and April. The program budget was $7,423.02, and vendor participation exceeded the goal of 10 per event, with more than half being returning vendors. Board members praised the market and suggested expanding marketing to neighboring cities. Staff indicated interest in continuing the program.
- Director’s Report for July 2026 (ID#26-0786): Jesus Nino highlighted the adoption of the “Find It in Downtown Clearwater” brand, funding for America 250 banners, the mobile vending call, and a recent event (Symphony by the C and the 400-block Shocker art event on July 2, 2026) funded with $50,000 from DDB. Attendance data for that event was not presented but noted online.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous votes on all agenda items: consent items, new branding, high-impact grant, and receipt of reports.
- Next steps: The tentative millage rate and public hearing dates will be submitted to Pinellas County by July 28, 2026. The new branding will be implemented. The Mega Asian Food and Music Festival will proceed with $30,000 DDB funding. Mobile vending program details will be finalized for a September 1 launch.
- No public comments were made during the citizens to be heard portion.
Meeting Transcript
This time we'll call the order of the July 13, 2026 meeting of the City of Clearwater Downtown Development Board. This time move to item 2.1 on the agenda approval of the minutes. Is there a motion to approve the minutes for the DDB meeting of June 1st, 2026? Say so moved. Say so moved. Yes. So moved. Second. Thank you. Second. Moved and seconded. All those in favor? Aye. Aye. Opposed. Unanimous. Moved item three on the agenda citizens to be heard regarding items not on the agenda. Are there any citizens here today that desire to be heard on a downtown development report issue that is not on today's agenda? Hearing saying that, move to item 4.1 on the agenda. Adopt a tentative millage rate of 0.9700 mills for fiscal year 2026-2027 and set public hearing dates or set hearing dates on the millage and budget for September 15, 2026 and September 21, 2026 at 515 p.m. Good afternoon, Ann Lopez, CRA Assistant Director. This item is to approve a tentative millage rate of 0.9700 mills for fiscal year 2627 and to set the required public hearing of the millage and budget for Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, and Monday, September 21st, 2026, both starting at 5 15 p.m. As part of the truth and millage or trim process, the downtown development board is required to adopt a tentative millage rate and establish public hearing dates before the budget can be finalized. This information will must be submitted to Pinellas County property appraiser and tax collector's office by July 28, 2026, and will appear in the trim notices that will be mailed to property owners in August. The recommended tentative millage rate of 0.9700 mills is the same rate as the current fiscal year. While this rate remains unchanged, it is a 0.65% above the rolled back rate of 0.9637 mills. The rolled back rate is the rate that would generate the same property tax revenue as last year, including revenue from new construction and other changes in the tax base. Hearing seeing none, is there any board discussion? If not, is there a motion? Motion to approve item 4.1. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed, unanimous. Thank you. Agenda item 4.2 approve the May 2026 financial statement for filing. Good afternoon, Chair, members of the board, Brian Olbrick, CRA coordinator for the record. The May 2026 financial statement is presented for filing during the month of May. Expenditures total 35,467 dollars. Today, total expenditures and transfers are approximately 894,991 dollars. The total balance across the budget is 1,177, 705 dollars. Any remaining balances have been reallocated to the unallocated special events grants line to support future downtown development board programming. Staff recommends approval of the May 2026 financial statement for filing. I'm happy to take any questions. Move to approve agenda item 4.2. Second. All those in favor? Aye. Opposed, unanimous. Thank you.
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