Clearwater Downtown Development Board Special Budget Hearing - September 21, 2026

The Clearwater Downtown Development Board (DDB) held this Special Budget Hearing / Special Meeting on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:15 PM in the Main Library Council Chambers on Osceola Avenue, Clearwater, Florida. The board set the final fiscal year 2026-27 property tax millage rate, adopted the DDB annual operating budget, approved a High Impact Grant, two Community Event Funding requests, and a restated funding agreement, and discussed a possible one-time purchase of a portable stage. All required actions were taken on second and final reading where applicable.

Call to Order and Approval of Minutes

• The special meeting was called to order, and the board approved the previous meeting's minutes without recorded objection.

Citizens to Be Heard (Items Not on the Agenda)

• No members of the public came forward to speak on non-agenda items.
• No public comments were offered on agenda items 4.1, 4.2, or 4.5.

New Business Items

4.1 Final Millage Rate - Resolution 26-01

• Staff presented a final millage rate of 0.9700 mills for fiscal year 2026-27 within the Downtown Development Board boundaries. This rate is 0.65% above the rollback rate of 0.9637 mills.
• The resolution, read in full as required for millage resolutions, declares that estimated ad valorem tax revenue of $523,809 will be received for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026, and the levy takes effect October 1, 2026.
• The item was presented for first reading on September 15, 2026. The board adopted Resolution 26-01 on second and final reading.

4.2 Annual Operating Budget - Resolution 26-02

• Staff presented the DDB annual operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27, with Resolution 26-02 on second and final reading (first reading September 15, 2026).
• No public comment was offered, and the board adopted the budget resolution.

4.3 High Impact Grant - Florida Best Promotions Inc.

• Staff recommended a High Impact Grant in an amount not to exceed $20,000 for the Salsa and Bachata at the District - Halloween Costume Block Party on October 31, 2026.
• The applicant asked for the full $30,000 requested in the application, noting the prior year's grant was $15,000. The applicant argued the additional $10,000 would fund marketing targeting areas more than 20 miles outside Clearwater (while spending that money outside the city), attract a more diverse audience, and help the event become self-sufficient so no further grant would be needed the following year.
• Board member Alborn asked the applicant to justify the extra $10,000 and explain how it would improve attendance metrics, while noting the board is trying to taper funding and encourage self-sufficiency.
• One board member noted that approving $20,000 would still be an increase from last year's $15,000, which runs counter to the goal of reducing funding, but supported the staff recommendation.
• A motion to approve agenda item 4.3 at the staff-recommended $20,000 carried.

4.4 Community Event Funding - Clearwater Sister Cities Inc.

• Staff recommended approval of $13,000 for Clearwater Illuminations Lantern Festival and International Night Market at Coachman Park on December 6, 2026.
• The applicant stated the goal is for attendees to experience all of downtown, not just the park, and requested that $6,000 be provided up front (rather than through reimbursement) to pay required deposits in advance, including hotel partnerships to attract visitors.
• A motion to approve agenda item 4.4 in the amount of $13,000, including $6,000 up front, carried.

4.5 Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement

• Staff recommended approval of the Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement (with PSDA). The DDB's annual contribution is approximately $24,653, estimated at $26,231 for fiscal year 2026-27.
• The coastal route's total annual operating budget is $1,591,540. Staff noted representatives were present to answer questions.
• The board approved the agreement.

4.6 Community Event Funding - Downtown Pizza Sports Bar and Grill (Hello Cleveland Street Live Music Series)

• Staff recommended approval of a community event funding request not to exceed $15,000 for the Hello Cleveland Street Live Music Series on the 400 block of Cleveland Street, October 2026 through May 2027, submitted on behalf of the Fourner Block Merchants. Events are free and open to the public, beginning at 5:00 PM.
• The applicant said the series averages about $15,000 per month in expenses, described an eight-month schedule of on-stage concerts modeled on spring events in front of the Colony, and requested monthly advances (e.g., $15,000 on October 1 and again on November 1) with periodic accounting of expenses. The applicant noted that quality bands book more than four months in advance, making commitments difficult without funding in hand.
• A board member who is a CPA proposed a controlled advance schedule: $15,000 up front in month one, with subsequent monthly installments released only after the prior month's funds have been fully accounted for, so funding never runs two months behind on expense documentation. The applicant agreed to this structure.
• Note on discrepancy: The agenda lists the staff recommendation as 'not to exceed $15,000,' while the applicant stated the series averages about $15,000 per month and discussed receiving monthly advances of $15,000. The total approved amount is not fully clear from the transcript excerpt.
• The board also discussed, as a long-term cost-saving alternative to repeated equipment rentals, purchasing a 12x20 portable stage with stairs and storage cart, priced between $15,000 and $20,000. Supporters noted it would be a one-time purchase usable year after year, with a possible order around February to April 2027. A board member raised concerns about storage, responsibility, and setup/breakdown logistics, and the board indicated the idea was worth exploring before the fiscal year closes in about two weeks.

Board Members to Be Heard

• No board members offered additional comments, and the meeting moved to adjournment.

Key Outcomes

• Adopted Resolution 26-01, setting the final DDB millage rate at 0.9700 mills for fiscal year 2026-27, a 0.65% increase above the rollback rate of 0.9637 mills, effective October 1, 2026.
• Adopted Resolution 26-02, approving the DDB annual operating budget for fiscal year 2026-27.
• Approved a $20,000 High Impact Grant to Florida Best Promotions Inc., less than the applicant's requested $30,000.
• Approved $13,000 for Clearwater Sister Cities Inc., with $6,000 payable up front.
• Approved the Restated Coastal Route Funding Agreement, with DDB contributions of approximately $24,653 (estimated at $26,231 for FY 2026-27).
• Approved the Hello Cleveland Street Live Music Series funding (staff-recommended $15,000 per the agenda) with a monthly advance and reconciliation disbursement structure as discussed by the board.
• Discussed exploring a one-time portable stage purchase ($15,000-$20,000) as a potential long-term asset in place of recurring rental costs.