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.