02/17/2026Tuesday, February 17, 2026
1:00 PM
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Agenda - Final
February 17, 2026Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Agenda - Final
1. Call To Order
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the January 12, 2026 CRA meeting as submitted in
written summation by the City Clerk.
3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda
4. New Business Items
4.1 February 2026 Legacy Business Spotlight - Direct Mail 2.0
4.2 Approve the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (DTCRA) FY
2025-2026 First Quarter Budget Amendment and adopt Resolution 26-01.
4.3 Downtown Revitalization.
4.4 Update on Placer.ai Product.
5. Old Business Items
6. Director's Report
6.1 Director’s Report February 2026.
7. Adjourn
Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#26-0200
Agenda Date: 2/17/2026 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: MinutesIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 2.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the minutes of the January 12, 2026 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation
by the City Clerk.
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 1 City of Clearwater
City of Clearwater
Main Library - Council Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
Meeting Minutes
Monday, January 12, 2026
1:00 PM
Main Library - Council Chambers
Community Redevelopment Agency Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 2 City of Clearwater
Roll Call
Present 5 - Chair Bruce Rector, Trustee Ryan Cotton, Trustee Michael Mannino,
Trustee David Allbritton, and Trustee Lina Teixeira
Also Present: Jennifer Poirrier – City Manager, Alfred Battle – Assistant City Manager, David Margolis – City Attorney, Rosemarie Call – City Clerk,
Nicole Sprague – Deputy City Clerk, and Jesus Niño – CRA Executive
Director
To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not
necessarily discussed in that order.
Unapproved
1. Call to Order – Chair Rector
The meeting was called to order at 1:41 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Approve the minutes of the December 1, 2025 CRA meeting as submitted in written
summation by the City Clerk.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve the minutes of the December 1,
2025 CRA meeting as submitted in written summation by the City
Clerk. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. Citizens to be Heard Regarding Items Not on the Agenda
Jill Gibbs thanked the City Attorney for his service.
Marilyn Turman said the Community Family Fun Night welcomed
approximately 5,000 participants this year. She encouraged a discussion
that goes beyond planning free events and considers events that bring
people to Downtown. 4. New Business Items
4.1 Present the 2025 Business Spotlight Winners. On August 18, 2025, the CRA Trustees approved the continuation of the
Business Spotlight Program to highlight locally owned businesses within the
Downtown Clearwater and North Greenwood CRA districts. The program is
intended to showcase businesses that contribute to economic vitality while
strengthening community identity and visibility within redevelopment areas. Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 3 City of Clearwater
For the 2025 program cycle, a total of nine businesses were selected as
Standard and Legacy Business Spotlight recipients. Legacy businesses are
recognized for their long-term investment and sustained presence within the
CRA districts.
The selected Business Spotlight recipients, listed by featured month, include:
• Direct Mail 2.0 (Legacy) - February - Downtown Clearwater
• One Stop Shoppe (Legacy) - March - Downtown Clearwater
• New Vision Behavior Health - April - North Greenwood
• Tequila’s Restaurant (Legacy) - May - Downtown Clearwater
• Hatchet Hangout - June - North Greenwood
• Social Sips Café - July - Downtown Clearwater
• Soul Sicilian (Legacy) - August - Downtown Clearwater
• Downtown Pizza - September - Downtown Clearwater
• Emily’s Restaurant (Legacy) - October - Downtown Clearwater
Throughout the upcoming year, each business will be featured through
coordinated marketing efforts with Public Communications to include
professional video, storytelling and digital promotion, to support business
retention, increase awareness, and reinforce district identity.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sector.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
4.2 Approve a loan from the CRA to Clearwater Bluffs LLC and a promissory note, in
connection with the approved funding contribution for the residential project on the Bluff.
On August 4, 2022, the City of Clearwater City Council (City Council) - subject
to voter approval - tentatively approved a purchase and sale agreement (PSA)
with Gotham Property Acquisitions, LLC (Gotham) and the DeNunzio Group,
LLC (DeNunzio). The PSA contemplated the sale of the city-owned old City Hall
parcel, located at 112 S. Osceola Avenue to Gotham for the construction of a
new attached dwelling development project (Project). On that same date, the
City Council approved a development agreement relating to both the old City
Hall parcel and the separate Harborview parcel.
On February 1, 2024, the City Council approved a fourth amendment to the PSA
that created a new closing condition being a funding contribution from the CRA
(Contribution) in either the amount of $2,250,000.00 (if closing on the Old City Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 4 City of Clearwater
Hall Site occurs after March 1, 2026) or in the amount of $3,250,000.00 (if
closing occurs on or before March 1, 2026). The amendment to the PSA also
provided that either the $2,250,00.00 will be disbursed at time of substantial
completion of the Project or the $3,250,000.00 will be disbursed at time of
commencement of construction of the Project. On March 18, 2024, the City of
Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency Board of Trustees (Trustees)
formally approved the Contribution.
On November 21, 2025, Gotham and DeNunzio assigned the PSA to
Clearwater Bluffs LLC (Clearwater Bluffs), a special purpose entity established
by Gotham for the development of the Project. Operating under the current
framework, Gotham is working diligently toward closing. Their general
contractor, Moss, has already obtained all building permits necessary to
construct the Project.
In anticipation of closing, the City Attorney, City Manager, CRA Executive
Director, and the Gotham team have determined the preferred mechanism to
fund the Contribution. On December 4, 2025, the City Council approved a fifth
amendment to the PSA providing that the Contribution would be in the form of a
loan with a promissory note to be approved by the Trustees. The amount and
timing of the Contribution’s disbursal remain unchanged. Once the project is
complete, the CRA shall discharge the loan. This change represents a win-win
for the CRA and Gotham. It protects the CRA by securing the funding with the
Promissory Note, while aligning the CRA interests with those of Gotham by
requiring the CRA to discharge the loan upon completion of the Project.
Therefore, to ensure the success of the Project and maximize tax savings, the
CRA Executive Director recommends converting the Contribution into a
30-year, nonrecourse deferred loan taking the form of a promissory note.
Trustee Allbritton moved to approve a loan from the CRA to
Clearwater Bluffs LLC and a promissory note, in connection with
the approved funding contribution for the residential project on the
Bluff. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.3 Approve the amendments to the Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant.
The Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant Program has been updated to
improve clarity, consistency, and transparency. Changes or amendments to
any policy or program are not official without trustee approval.
Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 5 City of Clearwater
Recommended changes:
• Table of Contents - Section 2 (pp. 1-3): Corrected typographical errors,
removed duplications, standardized terminology, and clarified
numbering.
• Section 3 - Available Assistance (pp. 3-4): Clarified CRA Director
authority, grant thresholds, and applicant match percentages to ensure
consistency and transparency.
• Section 4 - Eligible Property and Applicant (pp. 4-6): Defined eligible
applicants, clarified independent ownership/operation requirements,
excluded ineligible properties and mobile vendors, and clarified
cumulative grant caps over 12 months.
• Section 5 - Eligible Improvements (pp. 6-7): Clarified eligible restaurant
fixtures and equipment (cap $7,500), removed entertainment and
outdoor café furniture, and added retroactive reimbursement for
approved improvements completed within 8 months prior to application
submittal.
• Section 6 - Requirements, Reviews, & Approval Process (pp. 7-9):
Removed redundancy and corrected numbering/format errors.
• Section 7 - Disbursement Policy and Procedure (pp. 9-10): Clarified
documentation required for disbursement, including proof of payment,
contractor information, photographs, permits, inspections, and
Certificate of Occupancy/Completion. Work performed without required
permits is ineligible.
• Section 11 - Application (pp. 11-13): Added Local Historic Landmark,
updated Project Budget (Attachment A) including verified owner equity,
and deleted Notary section.
These recommendations enhance clarity and readability, reduce applicant
confusion, ensure the effective targeting of grant funds, increase transparency,
and safeguard CRA resources.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for the program are available in R2003- Economic Development-City
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job
growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural
experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging. Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 6 City of Clearwater
Trustee Mannino moved to approve the amendments to the
Downtown Clearwater Commercial Grant. The motion was duly
seconded and carried unanimously.
4.4 Approve the recommended updates to the Residential Exterior Improvement Grant
Program guidelines for the North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area
(NGCRA). The North Greenwood CRA Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program
provides financial assistance to homeowners for exterior (and certain qualifying
interior) improvements to enhance neighborhood aesthetics and pride. Staff has
reviewed the current program guidelines and recommends updates to simplify
application processes, align funding with current construction costs, clarify
eligibility, and improve consistency across program administration.
Recommended Summary Changes:
• Program Funding: Increase maximum grant award from $20,000 to
$25,000 to align with rising construction and material costs.
• Program Scope: Allow limited interior repairs for life-safety issues or
damage caused by exterior conditions while maintaining primary focus
on exterior improvements.
• Match Waiver: Simplify the match structure to a flat 5% for households 0
-120% AMI. Community service can waive match at $150 per hour, up to
a maximum of $25,000. Clarifies eligibility, timing, and approval
processes, including staff designee approval.
• Payment Clarity: The grant is a reimbursement grant payable to the
homeowner upon completion of the project receiving funding. The
applicant is responsible for paying the contractor and must submit
acceptable proof of payment. Partial reimbursements may be
considered for work completed in phases; however, reimbursements for
contractor payments shall not occur more than once every 30 days,
unless otherwise approved by the CRA Director. However, the CRA
Director may approve payments from the CRA to a licensed contractor
for the cost of materials and/or permits. If payment is approved, such
contractor may be paid for work performed before the completion of a
project provided such contractor is not paid more than once per every
30 days.
• Eligibility Updates:
o Homeowners must be current on mortgage payments or provide
proof of an approved payment plan. Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 7 City of Clearwater
o Limits of $25,000 per homeowner within a 36-month rolling
period, with exceptions for ADA or life-safety issues.
• Administrative Updates:
o Remove the requirement for homeowners to provide three
contractor quotes.
o Correct grammatical errors, deleted notary and updated CRA
address, and clarify household size reporting, and added clarity
to application questions.
o Applicants must receive a “Finding of Project Completion” within
365 calendar days from the date of application approval. After the
said 365 days, the grant will expire.
These updates simplify program administration, provide greater flexibility for
applicants, and ensure the Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program
continues to support NGCRA and City strategic goals while maintaining fiscal
responsibility.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funds for this program are available in project R2401, Residential Improvement
Program.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
3.2 Preserve community livability through responsible development standards,
proactive code compliance, and targeted revitalization.
Trustee Cotton moved to approve the recommended updates to the
Residential Exterior Improvement Grant Program guidelines for the
North Greenwood Community Redevelopment Area (NGCRA). The
motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
4.5 Approve an increase to the maximum award amount for the North Greenwood
Commercial Grant Program from $75,000.00 to $100,000.00.
The North Greenwood Commercial Grant Program was established to
encourage reinvestment in commercial properties, support small businesses,
and stimulate economic activity within the North Greenwood CRA. The program
currently allows for a maximum grant award of $75,000 per eligible project.
Since implementation, staff has seen increased construction costs, higher
material and labor expenses associated with commercial rehabilitation and Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 8 City of Clearwater
build-out projects.
Increasing the maximum grant award from $75,000 to $100,000 would allow the
program to better respond to current market conditions and provide sufficient
gap financing for higher-impact commercial projects. This adjustment would
improve the program’s competitiveness, encourage greater private investment,
and support the CRA’s broader objectives of strengthening commercial
corridors and expanding economic opportunities in North Greenwood.
The proposed increase would not alter program eligibility criteria,
reimbursement requirements, or oversight processes. All grant awards would
continue to be subject to available funding and administrative approval in
accordance with established CRA policies.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain
diversified business sectors.
2.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local
investment, supports Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job
growth.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural
experiences, tourism, and national sporting events.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower
community pride and belonging.
Trustee Teixeira moved to approve an increase to the maximum
award amount for the North Greenwood Commercial Grant Program
from $75,000.00 to $100,000.00. The motion was duly seconded and
carried unanimously.
5. Director's Report
5.1 Director’s Report for December 2025.
CRA Executive Director Jesus Nino provided a PowerPoint presentation.
In response to questions, Assistant City Manager Al Battle said a recent
article in NPR highlighted museums across the country are having
difficulty raising funds. He said staff also heard while discussing with
groups interested in the Reimagine Clearwater Main Library
Redevelopment opportunity that having the dollars to install and
maintain these installations to attract activity in spaces where they Draft
Community Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes January 12, 2026
Page 9 City of Clearwater
normally do not exist is waning.
Discussion ensued with consensus to schedule quarterly agenda items
that present the information received by staff from organizations
responding to the Reimagine Clearwater Library Redevelopment
opportunity, which should include the contact person and concerns they
raised.
In response to questions, Housing Manager Dylan Mayeux said the City
encourages and assists new developers with developing within the city.
The AHAC committee discusses each year the strategies to encourage
new developers in the city. He said the Community Service Foundation is
a local housing provider that developed a single-family home for a homeless
veteran last year. Regarding the La Salle Street parcel, the developer
approached the City a year prior to the parcel becoming available. The
individual has been a developer for approximately ten years and
completed a project in Brooksville, Florida. He said the Technical Review
Committee reviewed the application and history of the developer and
decided to move forward with the project. Staff is working with Legal to
ensure terms and conditions are included in the agreement in the event
the City needs to reclaim the property. 6. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 2:29 p.m.
Chair Community Redevelopment Agency
Attest
City Clerk Draft
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#26-0135
Agenda Date: 2/17/2026 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
February 2026 Legacy Business Spotlight - Direct Mail 2.0
SUMMARY:
Direct Mail 2.0, located in downtown Clearwater at 600 Cleveland St., Suite 480, is being recognized as
the February 2026 Business Spotlight and designated as a Legacy Business recipient in recognition of
nearly ten years of continued operation within the downtown CRA community redevelopment area.
Since its founding in 2015, the business has maintained a steady presence in Downtown Clearwater while
expanding its reach beyond the local market. Direct Mail 2.0’s longevity reflects its ability to adapt over
time and contribute to the area’s economic vitality.
The business also demonstrates a commitment to the community through support of local educational
efforts and participation in community and environmental initiatives. This recognition supports the
Clearwater CRA’s goal of highlighting long-standing businesses that continue to contribute to the character
and stability of downtown Clearwater.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sector.
3.1 Support neighborhood identity through services and programs that empower community pride and
belonging.
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#26-0142
Agenda Date: 2/17/2026 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.2
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency (DTCRA) FY 2025-2026 First
Quarter Budget Amendment and adopt Resolution 26-01.
SUMMARY:
The Downtown CRA FY 2025-2026 First Quarter Budget Amendment reflects adjustments
identified after review of first quarter expenditures, project timelines, and funding needs. The
proposed amendments reallocate existing CRA funds to ensure adequate resources are
available for active and priority projects.
Proposed amendments include:
·Reallocate funds in the operating budget to align with actual funds spent
·Recognize City TIF revenue (unspent in fiscal year 2024/25) transferred to projects as
part of year end closing:
·Community Engagement (Project R2002): An increase of $217,844.79 to support
ongoing engagement initiatives and related program costs.
·Economic Development - City (Project R2003): An increase of $500,000 to address
current economic development commitments and grant-related activities.
·Infrastructure - City (Project R2005): An increase of $200,000 to support
infrastructure improvements aligned with CRA redevelopment goals.
These amendments do not introduce new revenue sources but instead reallocate existing
funds within the adopted CRA budget to better reflect current operational and capital project
needs.
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
2025-26 Revenue/1st Quarter
Approved Expenditures Proposed Amended Amend
Budget To Date Amendments Budget Ref
Revenues & Transfers In
Tax Increment Financing Revenues
338930 Pinellas County Increment 2,878,256 2,844,287 2,878,256
338935 Downtown Development Board 397,975 397,431 397,975
Total TIF Revenues 3,276,231 3,241,718 - 3,276,231
Other Revenues
361101 Interest Earnings 300,000 126,352 300,000
Transfers In -
381115 City of Clearwater Increment 3,627,420 3,625,321 3,627,420
381782 DDB Administration 90,365 30,122 90,365
Total Revenues & Transfers In 7,294,016 7,023,512 - 7,294,016
Expenditures & Transfers Out
Operating Expenditures
530100 Professional Services 200,000 2,500 (18,160) 181,840 1
530300 Contractual Services 5,000 0 5,000
530500 Maintenance Contract 1,000 8,376 15,000 16,000 1
540300 Telephone Service Charges - Variable 4,000 45 4,000
540700 Postal Service 250 1 250
541600 Building & Maintenance Variable 2,000 2,000
542300 Utilities-Gas, Water, Sanitation - 1,071 3,160 3,160 1
543100 Advertising 10,000 0 10,000
543400 Printing & Binding 5,000 157 5,000
544100 Equipment Rental 7,000 31 7,000
547100 Uniforms 2,000 2,000
547200 Employee Expense-Travel 15,000 5,159 15,000
547300 Milage Reimbursement 1,000 1,000
548000 Other Services 5,000 5,000
550100 Office Supplies 5,000 1,493 5,000
550400 Operating Supplies 4,000 61 4,000
557100 Memberships and Subscriptions 20,000 2,876 20,000
557300 Training and Reference 20,000 450 20,000
581000 Payments to Other Agencies-DDB 397,975 245,818 397,975
Total Operating Expenditures 704,225 268,038 - 704,225
Transfers Out
590200 General Fund- Administrative 1,100,000 985,511 - 1,100,000
590800 Community Policing (R2001)262,289 277,136 - 262,289
590800 Community Engagements (R2002)250,000 1,614,407 - 250,000
590800 Economic Development- City (R2003)1,000,000 3,881,561 1,000,000
590800 Economic Development- County (R2004)678,256 1,573,991 678,256
590800 Infrastructure- City (R2005)623,942 - -
590800 Infrastructure- County (R2006)500,257 - -
590800 Transportation- City (R2007)500,000 197,629 - 500,000
590800 Transportation- County (R2008)200,000 1,258,508 200,000
590800 Housing- City (R2009)599,246 533,496 - 599,246
590800 Housing- County (R2010)2,000,000 4,278,917 2,000,000
590800 Bluff Development (R2501)- 3,437,733 -
Total Transfers Out 6,589,791 19,163,088 - 6,589,791
Total Expenditures & Transfers Out 7,294,016 19,431,126 - 7,294,016
Budget Amendments to Operating Budget
1 To adjust the budget to reflect actual and anticipated expenditures for the year.
Community Redevelopment Agency
Exhibit A
First Quarter Budget Review for Fiscal Year 2025/26
1st Quarter
Project Approved Proposed Amended Project Open Available Amend
#Description Budget Amendments Budget To Date Encumb Balance Ref
R2001 Community Policing 1,546,678.00 1,546,678.00 1,506,733.96 39,944.04
R2002 Community Engagement 2,086,551.17 217,844.79 2,304,395.96 1,621,906.77 31,856.00 650,633.19 1
R2003 Economic Development- City 6,906,584.99 500,000.00 7,406,584.99 3,881,561.36 710,048.72 2,814,974.91 2
R2004 Economic Development- County 2,697,677.65 2,697,677.65 1,573,990.71 190,216.20 933,470.74
R2005 Infrastructure- City 1,311,366.32 200,000.00 1,511,366.32 687,423.97 823,942.35 3
R2006 Infrastructure- County 2,870,000.00 2,870,000.00 2,369,743.50 500,256.50
R2007 Transportation-City 697,629.00 697,629.00 0.00 697,629.00
R2008 Transportation- County 1,458,508.03 1,458,508.03 0.00 1,458,508.03
R2009 Housing- City 1,132,742.00 1,132,742.00 0.00 1,132,742.00
R2010 Housing- County 11,280,166.99 11,280,166.99 5,001,250.00 6,278,916.99
R2501 Bluff Development 4,750,000.00 4,750,000.00 1,312,266.60 3,437,733.40
Total 36,737,904.15 917,844.79 37,655,748.94 17,954,876.87 932,120.92 18,768,751.15
Budget Amendments to Projects
1
2
3
Community Redevelopment Agency
Capital Improvement Project Fund
First Quarter Budget Review for Fiscal Year 2025/26
Actual Expenditures
To record an increase of $217,844.79 in unspent prior year TIF revenue transferred as part of prior year end closing.
To record an increase of $500,000.00 in unspent prior year TIF revenue transferred as part of prior year end closing.
To record an increase of $200,000.00 in unspent prior year TIF revenue transferred as part of prior year end closing..
Resolution 26-01 DT CRA First
Quarter Budget Amendments
RESOLUTION NO 26-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT
AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA,
ADOPTING THE FIRST QUARTER AMENDMENTS TO THE
DOWNTOWN CRA FY 2025/2026 ANNUAL OPERATING
BUDGET; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) annual budget
requirements have been clarified and Section 189.016(3), of the Florida Statutes
require that CRA’s adopt their annual budgets by resolution; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMUNITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. Adopt the FIRST QUARTER BUDGET AMENDMENTS TO THE FY
2025/2026 DOWNTOWN CRA Operating Budget as outlined on Exhibit A.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of February 2026.
____________________________
Bruce Rector
Chairman
Approved as to form: Attest:
__________________________ _____________________________
Owen Kohler Rosemarie Call
CRA Attorney City Clerk
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#26-0143
Agenda Date: 2/17/2026 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.3
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Downtown Revitalization.
SUMMARY:
A monthly opportunity for CRA Trustees to exchange ideas and address downtown related topics and
priorities.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
N/A
USE OF RESERVE FUNDS:
N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
2.1 Strengthen public-private initiatives that attract, develop, and retain diversified business sectors.
2.3 Promote Clearwater as a premier destination for entertainment, cultural experience, tourism and
national supporting events.
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#26-0144
Agenda Date: 2/17/2026 Status: Agenda ReadyVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 4.4
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Update on Placer.ai Product.
SUMMARY:
Staff will provide a demonstration of the Placer.ai platform at the meeting to highlight the product’s
capabilities and potential use cases.
The initial primary purpose for pursuing the Placer.ai platform was to better equip City Council, the
Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Trustees, and the Downtown Development Board (DDB) with
more accurate, consistent, and defensible estimates of attendance at special events occurring in
Downtown and other areas of the city, as well as access to additional market data. The tool allows staff to
move beyond self-reported or anecdotal attendance figures and instead utilize data-driven insights that
support transparency, informed decision-making, and performance evaluation.
In addition, the platform provides insights into visitors’ origin, dwell time, repeat visitation, and general
movement patterns, allowing staff to baseline conditions, compare performance across events or time
periods, and evaluate the broader economic and placemaking impacts of City and CRA investments.
In mid-2025, the CRA Department and the Parks and Recreation Department, as the leading departments,
expressed interest in utilizing Placer.ai for location and analytics intelligence. As additional city
departments also indicated interest, the solution was determined to be an enterprise application requiring a
centralized procurement and contract. Information Technology (IT) coordinated with the Procurement
Division to ensure the services were competitively bid and that alternative solutions were evaluated.
The City issued RFP 59-25, Location and Analytics Intelligence Services, on September 15, 2025. The
solicitation closed on October 15, 2025, and the City received six responsive proposals. A selection
committee reviewed and scored the proposals in accordance with the established evaluation criteria at a
publicly noticed meeting held on November 7, 2025. The evaluation committee included representatives
from the following departments:
·Community Redevelopment Agency
·Financial and Budget Operations
·Information Technology
·Parks and Recreation
Based on the results of the evaluation process, Placer Labs (Placer.ai) was selected as the
highest-ranked firm. Placer.ai was chosen due to its competitive pricing, quality and reliability of data,
service delivery model, and because it was the only respondent to offer a true software-as-a-service (SaaS)
solution.
The total cost of the Placer.ai subscription is $50,000, with funding contributions allocated as follows:
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
File Number: ID#26-0144
·$25,000 - Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)
·$20,000 - Parks and Recreation Department
·$5,000 - Economic Development and Housing (ED&H)
This cost-sharing approach reflects both the cross-departmental benefits of the platform and the CRA’s
primary role in supporting downtown events, redevelopment analysis, and performance measurement.
A Notice of Intent to Award was issued on November 10, 2025. Following the conclusion of the notice
period, the city entered negotiations with the selected firm. The negotiated agreement was subsequently
subject to authorization by the City Manager.
Kick-off meetings and initial training sessions are scheduled for January and February 2026. Training will
consist of collaborative, hands-on sessions led by Placer.ai’s implementation team and will be open to all
licensed City departments. These sessions will focus on department-specific use cases and guide
participants through data analysis, baselining, and comparative reporting over time.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
1.1 Provide evidence-based measurement tools to continually guide municipal performance and promote
accountable governance.
1.2 Cultivate a business climate that welcomes entrepreneurship, inspires local investment, supports
Eco-friendly enterprises, and encourages high-quality job growth.
Page 2 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
Cover Memo
City of Clearwater Main Library - Council
Chambers
100 N. Osceola Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33755
File Number: ID#26-0165
Agenda Date: 2/17/2026 Status: Approval ReviewVersion: 1
File Type: Action ItemIn Control: Community Redevelopment Agency
Agenda Number: 6.1
SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Director’s Report February 2026.
SUMMARY:
Page 1 City of Clearwater Printed on 2/13/2026
|1DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
ZDirector’s Report
February 2026
|2CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Table of Contents
•Downtown CRA Updates
•North Greenwood CRA Updates
|3DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Downtown CRA Updates
|4DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
New Business – Gulfside Pizza & Subs
CRA Staff conducted a business visit in the
month of February and received feedback
that the business has done well within its
first three weeks.
Web: GulfsidePizzaSubs.com
Phone: 727-475-8000
Location: 530 Cleveland Street
Gulfside Pizza & Subs features handcrafted
sauce and dough, along with high-quality
pizza and subs.
Staff Engagement
About the Business
|5DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Reimagine Clearwater Main Library:
A Cultural Destination
Staff are actively advancing a targeted, relationship driven strategy to reposition the
Clearwater Main Library as a signature cultural destination and catalytic anchor
within downtown Clearwater.
Outreach & Engagement Summary
147+
Organizations
Contacted
23+
Active
Engagements
Key Partners Engaged (Not Limited To)
•Creative Pinellas
•Ruth Eckerd Hall
•Clearwater Historical Society
•FloridaRAMA
•Great Explorations Children’s Museum
•Zero Empty Spaces
•Heatherwick Studio
•Fairmount Properties
•Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
•MAPS Museum
Direct interviews and exploratory discussions are
underway with:
•Museums and cultural institutions
•Arts and creative organizations, foundations, investors
•Experiential, placemaking developers
•Local, regional stakeholders, and others
Media engagement is underway, including interviews with
outlets such as 83Degrees, to build awareness, credibility,
and market interest.
Reimagine Clearwater Main
Library: A Cultural Destination
|7CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Featured Speakers:
Gretchen Dominguez, The DeNunzio Group
Sarah-Jane Vatelot, Behar + Peteranecz Architect
Andrew Fariñas, KAST Construction
Representatives from The DeNunzio Group,
Behar + Peteranecz Architect, and Kast
Construction attended the January CRA
outreach meeting to provide updates on The
Ballad Hotel project.
CRA staff also discussed available CRA and
DDB grants, as well as upcoming events.
Last Meeting Topics:
|8DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Next Meeting Date
Date: Tuesday, Feb 24th
Time: 3:00 pm
Location:Clearwater Main Library
100 N Oceola Ave | 1st Floor Board Room
Guest Speaker: Lisa Mifflin will talk on
topic like “Accessing Capital and
Community Development Opportunities”,
“ The Community Reinvestment Act”
Other Topic: Downtown Construction
Lisa Mifflin
Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency
|9DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Cleveland Street District Signage
New Cleveland Street District signage is now in place, welcoming visitors and
supporting continued activation of the Cleveland Street corridor.
Northwest corner of Cleveland
Street & Fort Harrison Avenue
Southeast corner of Cleveland
Street & Fort Harrison Avenues
Northwest corner of Cleveland
Street & Garden Avenue
|10NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
North Greenwood CRA Updates
|11NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
North Greenwood CRA Grants
NGCRA Commercial Grants Funding Summary
Funding Category Amount ($)
Total Funds Approved $449,516.91
Total Funds Reimbursed $279,505.05
Metric Count
Approved Projects 4
Projects with Work Completed 2
Metric Count
Met with Staff 13
Under Review 6
Approved/Under Construction 15
Work Completed 18
Total 52
NGCRA Residential Grants
Metric Count
Total Funds Approved $511,390.18
Funds Paid to Date $324,488.19
Funding Summary
|12CLEARWATER COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
North Ward Elementary School
•Direction received on shrink-wrap color options
•First site tour held January 16, with positive interest
•Project brochure and landing page launched
•Media release issued with Public Communications
•Developer outreach underway, focusing on historic
preservation experience
Key Activities & Updates
Staff continue to advance the North Ward Elementary
School Redevelopment through Council coordination,
site engagement, and targeted outreach efforts
|13NORTH GREENWOOD COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
North Greenwood CRA
Community Advisory Committee
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Location:
North Greenwood Recreation Center, Room 1
Meeting Details
•Introduction of a new Board member
•Introduction of the Neighborhoods Coordinator
•Updates on the Mural Festival and Grove projects
•CRA grant updates and awardee showcase