DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD GRANT FUNDING AGREEMENT - MARKET MARIE JUNE 2026-MAY 2027DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD GRANT FUNDING AGREEMENT
The Market Culture LLC
Market IVlarie June 2026 -May 2027
This Downtown Development Board Grant Funding Agreement ("Agreement") is effective May
20, 2026, between the DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD, an independent special district
organized and operating pursuant to the ordinances and laws of the City of Clearwater ("DDB"),
and The Market Culture LLC, a Florida limited liability company ("Grantee").
WHEREAS, some of the purposes of DDB's current Work Plan is to increase awareness
of DDB District as a fun destination for Clearwater's residents, employees, and visitors, and to
increase awareness of the DDB District as a tourist destination; and
WHEREAS, Grantee has requested an event funding grant to partially fund The Market
Marie ("Program"). The proposed event will have food trucks, music, performers, and vendors
described in the event application attached as EXHIBIT "A" and the Budget attached as EXHIBIT
"B" ("Proposed Program"); and
WHEREAS, the:.DDB has determined that the Proposed Program and providing a grant of
up to $30,000.00 all in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, is prudent use of DDB funds.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained
herein, and for othergood and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is
hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I. RECITALS AND TERM
1) Recitals. The recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated herein and
made a part of this Agreement.
2) Term. The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of from June 1, 2026, until May 31,
2027, unless earlier terminated under the terms of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II. RESPONSIBILITIES OF GRANTEE
1) Services to be Provided by Grantee.
a. Grantee shall hire, schedule, and manage all operational and marketing services needed
to .successfully execute and produce the Approved Program in accordance with the
requirements of this Agreement, the Funding Application attached as Exhibit "A", and the
Budget attached as Exhibit "B".
b. "Grantee shall promote the Approved Program and shall identify ‘DDB'as a sponsor on all
marketing materials, including but not limited to print advertisement; social media, TV, any
press releases, and the Grantee websites for the listed event.
c. Grantee shall recognize DDB's funding during the Approved Program with an
announcement of DDB funding and showcase DDB's sponsorship with DDB's logo at the
Approved Program, on marketing materials, and on print advertisement.:
d. Grantee will notify DDB of cancellation of the Approved Program due to weather, acts of
God, or other situations beyond Grantee's control. Rescheduling of the Approved Program
must occur within the current DDB fiscal year and will require DDB approval.
e. Grantee shall coordinate with city department(s) fora special event permit 'approval and
other city resources that meet city safety guidelines and protocols; if.required
) Required Docluments and. Reports from Grantee If Grantee fails to submit all required
documents and reports electronically to DDB on 'Or 'before 5:0011'M on July 31.,2027 •
Grantee will forfeit its rights to reimbursement for :the. Approved Program Grantee -:will
receive no reimbursement from DDB for the Approved Program
) A financial report and accounting for the. Approved Program which' shall' include the
total costs and a detailed account of expenses
Proof of completion of the Approved Program
An IRS form W-9
Invoice directed to DDB for actual costs incurred and itemized list: of. expenses
containing the type of expense, date of expense, and name of -vendor with dated proof
of payment from the services provider.
e) A report summarizing the impact of the Approved Program, a summary,;of marketing
efforts, the number of attendees or participants, andaudience feedback along with any
additional -information that demonstrates the positive impact., of. the. Approved. Program.
on the DDB -District.
Electronic copies of all photos or video footage captured at the Approved Program for
..DDB to use inits marketing materials in the future: •
Use and Disposition of Funds Received. Funds received by Grantee from the DDB shalt
only be used; as reimbursement for actual costs incurred in compliance with the terms of
this Agreement for the Approved Program.
Non-discrimination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement; Grantee, for
itself, its agents,:c9ntractors, and representatives, agree that:
a) No Exclusion from Use. No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied
the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination inthe operation of this
program on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, disability, gender, pregnancy,
gender `identity, sexual . orientation, marital . status, national origin, orgenetic
information.
No Exclusion from Hire. In the management, operation, or provision of the
program activities authorized and enabled by this Agreement, no person shall be
excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subject to
discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion, age, disability, gender,
pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, or
genetic information„ except that age may be taken into consideration to the extent
that the age of an employee is a bona fide occupational qualification, as:permitted
by law.
c) Breach ;of Non -Discrimination Covenants. If Grantee violates any of the above
non-discrimination covenants, the DDB shall have the right to terminate this
Agreement immediately, without regard to any grace period or opportunity to cure.
5) Liability and. Indemnification. Grantee shall act as an independent contractor and
agrees to assume all risks of providing the program activities and services, herein agreed
and all liability, therefore, and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the DDB, its
officers, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims of Toss, liability, and
damages of whatever nature, to persons and property, including, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, death of any person and Toss of the use of any property, except
claims arising from the negligence of the DDB or DDB's agents or employees. This
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includes, but is not limited to, matters arising out of or claimed to have been caused by or
in any manner related to Grantee activities or those of any approved or unapproved
invitee, contractor, subcontractor, or other person approved, authorized, or permitted by
Grantee whether or not based on negligence. Nothing herein shall be construed as
consent by the DDB to be sued by third parties or as a waiver or modification of the
provisions or limits of Section 768.28, Florida Statutes, or the Doctrine of Sovereign
Immunity.
6) Compliance with Laws. Grantee shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county,
and local laws, rules, and regulations. If it is ever determined that this Agreement violates
any federal, state, county, or local laws, rules, or regulations, Grantee shall cure the non-
compliance promptly, or DDB may terminate this Agreement without regard to any
additional grace period or opportunity to cure.
ARTICLE III. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DDB
Grant. Payments will be made to Grantee on a reimbursement basis for direct production costs
and city fees incurred, as authorized by this Agreement. The DDB will reimburse Grantee based
on invoices and paid receipts submitted for grant expenditures totaling thirty thousand dollars and
00/100 cents ($30,000.00) for eligible expenses for The Market Marie LLC. The total grant amount
shall not exceed thirty thousand dollars and 00/100 cents ($30,000.00).
ARTICLE IV. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
This Agreement is the entire Agreement regarding the Approved Program. It may not be modified
or discharged except by written amendment executed by both parties. No representations or
warranties by either party shall be binding unless expressed herein or in a duly executed
amendment hereof.
ARTICLE V. TERMINATION
1) For Cause. Failure to adhere to any of the provisions of this Agreement in a material respect
shall constitute cause for termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement for cause by
giving the other party 30 days' notice of termination. If the default is not cured within the 30 -
day period following receipt of the notice, this Agreement shall terminate on the 31st day.
2) Disposition of Fund Monies. In the event of termination for any reason, monies provided to
Grantee by DDB but not expended in accordance with this Agreement shall be returned to the
DDB within 30 days of demand, and no other installments shall be paid.
ARTICLE VI. NOTICE
Any notice required or permitted to be given by the provisions of this .Agreement shall be
conclusively deemed to have been received by a party hereto on the date it is hand -delivered to
such party at the address indicated below (or at such other address as such party shall specify to
the other party in writing), or if sent by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid), on the 5th
business day after the day on which such notice is mailed and properly addressed.
3
1) Grantee:
2) If to DDB, addressed to:
Blair Valentine
P.O. BOX 2034
Clearwater, FL 33757
Chairman, DDB
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758-4748
ARTICLE VII. MISCELLANEOUS
1) Assignability; Complete Agreement. This Agreement is non -assignable by either party and
constitutes the entire Agreement between the Applicant and the Agency and all prior or
contemporaneous oral and written agreements or representations of any nature with reference to
the subject of the agreement are canceled and superseded by the provisions of this agreement.
2) Applicable Law and Construction. The laws of the State of Florida shall govern the validity,
performance, and enforcement of this Agreement. This Agreement has been negotiated by the
Agency and the Applicant, and the Agreement, including, without limitation, the exhibits, shall not
be deemed to have been prepared by the Agency or the Applicant, but by all equally.
3) Severability. Should any section or part of any section of this Agreement be rendered void,
invalid, or unenforceable by any court of law, for any reason, such a determination shall not render
void, invalid, or unenforceable any other section or any part of any section in this Agreement.
4) Jurisdiction and Venue. For purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement, the parties hereto do acknowledge, consent, and agree that venue
thereof is Pinellas County, Florida.
Each party to this Agreement hereby submits to the jurisdiction of the State of Florida, Pinellas
County and the courts thereof and to the jurisdiction of the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Florida, for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of or
relating to this Agreement and hereby agrees not to assert by way of a motion as a defense or
otherwise that such action is brought in an inconvenient forum or that the venue of such action is
improper or that the subject matter thereof may not be enforced in or by such courts.
If, at any time during the term of this Agreement, the Grantee is not a resident of the State of
Florida or has no office, employee, agency, registered agent or general partner thereof available
for service of process as a resident of the State of Florida, or if any permitted assignee thereof
shall be a foreign corporation, partnership or other entity or shall have no officer, employee, agent,
or general partner available for service of process in the State of Florida, the Applicant hereby
designates the Secretary of State, State of Florida, its agent for the service of process in any court
action between it and the Agency arising out of or relating to this Agreement and such service
shall be made as provided by the laws of the State of Florida for service upon a nonresident;
provided, however, that at the time of service on the Florida Secretary of State, a copy of such
service shall be delivered to the Applicant at the address for notices as provided in Article VI.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date
and year first written above.
(DDB Signature Page)
Countersigned:
Downtown Development Board
Approved as to form:
DDB Attorney
MattheNJ. MAO
Date: Cr YAW
5
Attest:
Rosemarie Call, City Clerk
Date:
(GRANTEE SIGNATURE PAGE)
The Market Culture LLC, a Florida limited liability company.
By:
Print nae: Blair 141/07;1e.
Title: fiAiv.
Date: (V( 0/720710
STATE OF FLORIDA
COUNTY OF PINELLAS
The foregoing instruments/as acknowledged before me by means wr physical presence or ❑ online
notarization, this day of ,)tu,er , 2026 by Biter Vo Ieaine, , as
"Be- of �i ,o /LI/Jiift rahlt LLC❑ who is/are personally known to me ori who
has/have produced a driver's license as identification.
.94717/i
Notary Public, State of Florida
(NOTARIAL SEAL)
Name of Notary: He] Mei PtOqUt+}b
My Commission Expires: 540/. o4 702,
My Commission No.: 1-0-1 5s'// 7q
6
HELMER PIOQUINTO
Notary Public, State of Florida
Commission#.HH 589174
My comm. expires Sept. 03, 2028
EXHIBIT "A"
FUNDING APPLICATION
,
7
EXHIBIT "B"
BUDGET
8
Downtown Development Board
Grant Application
Row 4
Applicant /
Primary
Contact:
Blair Valentine
EXHIBIT #
Type of Grant Special Event
Request
Name of The Market Marie - The Market Culture LLC
Organization:
Street Address: PO Box 2034
City:
Clearwater
State:
Florida
Zip:
33757
Cell Phone:
+1 (727) 667-3060
Office Phone: 7276673060
Email Address: Blair@TheMarketMarie.com
Website /
Social Media
Link(s):
Description of
Project:
Instagram: TheMarketMarie Facebook: TheMarketMarie Website:
www.TheMarketMarie.com
The Market Marie is a local, woman -owned, small business event
company that coordinates open air markets for small businesses and
artisans in the heart of Clearwater, FL. We host a monthly market on
the 2nd Saturday in Coachman Park showcasing 130+ vendors. We
are one of the most diverse markets in the area from products to
makers. We have a detailed application process and carefully select
makers to join our events. We ensure our businesses are locally
owned small businesses. This allows our markets to truly stand out in
quality, while supporting a vast number of small businesses in the
community. All of our events are pet friendly, family friendly, and
everyone is welcome! We are applying for funding in hopes to
alleviate some of our recurring expenses. The Market Marie does not
discriminate on account of race, age, color, sex, national origin,
physical or mental disability, or religion or otherwise as may be
prohibited by federal and state law. We are applying for funding for
12 events. The Market Marie June 2026 through May 2027.
Total Project $164,320 for 12 months
Cost ($):
Amount of
Grant Funds
$39,040.00
Requested ($):
Applicant's
Financial
Contribution
($):
Third -Party
Contributions
($):
$125,280.00
When will the
event take Every 2nd Saturday of the month
place?
Who will
implement the
project?
Where will the Coachman Park
project occur?
Project
Attraction
Applicant
Signature:
The Market Marie plays a vital role in attracting businesses,
residents, and visitors to downtown Clearwater by transforming
Coachman Park into a vibrant, recurring destination that supports the
city's "Live, Work, Play" vision. By hosting 130+ local small
businesses and artisans each month, the market drives consistent
foot traffic, keeps dollars circulating in the local economy, and
provides entrepreneurs with a reliable platform to grow their
customer base and brand visibility. As a free, family -friendly
waterfront event, it fosters community connection through music,
food, handmade goods, shopping local, and interactive experiences
that encourage residents and visitors to spend more time downtown,
explore nearby shops and restaurants, and return regularly. This
steady activation of public space enhances Clearwater's appeal as a
place to live, strengthens the small business ecosystem, and
positions downtown as a welcoming, energetic destination for both
locals and regional visitors.
Title of Event: The Market Marie
Date(s) of
Event:
Description of
Special Event:
June 13, July 11, August 8, Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14, Dec 12 2026,
Jan 9, Feb 13, March 13, April 10, May 8 2027
The Market Marie is a lively, family -friendly waterfront market held at
Coachman Park that brings together over 130 local vendors for a full
community experience. Shoppers can explore a wide mix of small
businesses, artisans, and makers alongside fresh produce,
handmade goods, and unique gifts, while enjoying a rotating
selection of food trucks and sweet treats. The event goes beyond
shopping with kid -friendly attractions like a bounce house, face
painting, and interactive activities, plus special features such as pet
adoptions that connect families with local rescues. Set against the
scenic backdrop of Coachman Park, The Market Marie creates a
welcoming, energetic atmosphere where residents and visitors can
gather, support local businesses, and enjoy a fun, vibrant day by the
water every 2nd Saturday of the month from 10 AM - 2 PM.
Intended The Market Marie is designed for everyone!! Our market is for
Audience / community -focused audiences that includes downtown Clearwater
Anticipated residents, families, young professionals, and visitors from across the
Attendance Tampa Bay region. The event appeals to shoppers who value
supporting local small businesses, artisans, and makers, as well as
families looking for a fun, affordable, and engaging weekend activity.
With fresh produce, food trucks, kid -friendly attractions like bounce
houses and face painting, and features such as pet adoptions, the
market attracts a mix of local residents, tourists, and community
members seeking a vibrant "live, work, play" experience in a
welcoming waterfront setting. The Market Marie draws over 5,000
attendees each month, creating strong, consistent foot traffic that
benefits downtown Clearwater, surrounding businesses, and the
more than 130 local vendors who participate in each event.
Total Event
Cost ($):
Event Grant
Funds
Requested ($)
Where will the Coachman Park: 300 Cleveland St. Clearwater, FL 33755
event be held?
Contacted
Special Events
Department?
Additional
Sponsors or
Media Outlets
for Event:
Funded by DDB Yes
Before?
Applicant
Signature
Blair Valentine
Applied for: Special Event Permit
Current BTR: No
Is 501(c)(3)? No
Timeframe of 10 AM -2 PM
Event:
Free to Public? Yes
Agreement
Checkbox
Applied /
Awarded
Community No
Sponsorship
Program?
°tea
.,4
•°" 1.= CITY OF C L E A R W A T E R
POST OFFICE Box 4748, CLEARWATER, FLORIDA 33758-4748
RF�o �°� ,, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING, 100 SOUTH MYRTLE AVENUE, CI.FARWATER, FLORIDA 33756
02/05/26
To Whom It May Concern,
The Special Events Department has tentatively approved Special Event The Market Marie,
scheduled for every second Saturday in 2026 (or a pre -approved rain re -schedule date), at
Coachman Park in Clearwater. Final approval is dependent on the satisfactory completion of the
items on the PRE -EVENT CHECKLIST. Once the completed checklist has been received by the
required due date, a Special Event Permit will be issued.
If applicable, please provide this letter to the following entities to continue planning your
event:
• Tent Permits - Clearwater Planning & Development Dept.
o Required for tents larger than 100 sq. ft.
• 727.562.4567
• State Alcohol Permit - Department of Business & Professional Regulations (DBPR)
o Required if selling or serving alcohol on City of Clearwater Property
• 850.487.1395
• Downtown Clearwater Event Funding - Downtown Development Board (DDB)
o Organizers may apply for funding if event falls within the Downtown
Development Board (DDB) boundaries
• 727.562.4044
• City of Clearwater Business Tax Receipt - Clearwater Planning & Development Dept.
o Required if event is charging admission or hosting vendors
• 727.562.4005
• Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Permit - Office of Resilience and
Coastal Protection
o Required for events covering an area of 1000 square feet or larger and
located seaward of the coastal construction control line on the coastal
sands of Clearwater Beach
• 850.245.2094
*Before submitting this letter for any purpose other than those listed above, please contact the Special
Events Department for approval*
We wish you the best with your activity and we remain available should you have questions or
concerns.
Sincerely,
J&lov 1Swj»
Jewel Smith
Programming Supervisor & Committee Co -Chair
Clearwater Special Events
(727) 444-8338
"EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER"
The Market Marie: Every 2nd Saturday
Address: Coachman Park, 300 Cleveland St. 33755
PREPARED FOR
DDB: Funding Request
EXHIBIT #
DDB Funding Request
Entire 12 -Event Budget Listed Below
DDB GRANT FUNDS REQUESTED in Yellow
—Any itemized row that is not highlighted is covered by the applicant
Social Media: @TheMarketMarie on both Instagram and Facebook
START DATE
June 2026
END DATE
May 2027
Our mission:
The Market Marie is a local, woman -owned, small business event company that
coordinates open air markets for small businesses and artisans in the heart of
Clearwater, FL. We host a monthly market on the 2nd Saturday showcasing 130+
vendors. We are one of the most diverse markets in the area from products to makers.
We have a detailed application process and carefully select makers to join our events.
We ensure our businesses are locally owned small businesses. This allows our markets
to truly stand out in quality, while supporting a vast number of small businesses in the
community. All of our events are pet friendly, family friendly, and everyone is welcome!
We are applying for funding in hopes to alleviate some of our recurring expenses. The
Market Marie does not discriminate on account of race, age, color, sex, national origin,
physical or mental disability, or religion or otherwise as may be prohibited by federal and
state law.
Market Marie General FEES (Per Event)
(Financially Covered by Coordinator)
Market Marie FEES (Per 12 Events)
Special Event Insurance
Day of Event Management
Social Media Management
Applications Team
Map Development/Labeling the Ground
Admin Management & Logistics Team
$300
$600
$1,200
$2,500
$400
$3,000
$3,600
$7,200
$14,400
$30,000
$4,800
$36,000
Market Marie Monthly Fees Total: ($8,0001
eneral Fees TOTAL $96,000
Marketing Fees (Per Event)
MARKETING FEES for 12 events
Marketing: News Articles (Online &
Paper)
Paid Promotions: Social Media
(Boosted Ads/Boosted FB Event Page,
etc.)
$500 $6,000
$950 $11,400
Marketing: Videography (Drone) $400 $4,800
Marketing: Photography $200 $2,400
Flyers/Signage $300 $300
Website Maintenance/Website Event
Promotions $350 $4,200
Graphic Design $350 $4,200
Marketing Fees (Per Event) Total: $3,050 Marketing Fees TOTAL $33,300
City Fees (Per Event) CITY FEES for 12 events
EMS Standby (Required by City)
Percentage of Vendor Fees (Paid to City)
Parking (Road Block Signage)
Trash Cans On-site
$820
$750+
$50
$15 (3)
$9,840
$9,000+
$600
$180
City Fees (Per Event) Total: 1,635
City Fees TOTAL $19,620
ADDITIONAL FEES (Per Event)
ADDITIONAL FEES for 12 events
Live Music/or DJ
Misc. (Bounce House, Additional
Entertainment, etc.)
Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc.
Additional Bounce
Houses/Entertainment when space
allows
$600.
$300+
$1,000
$300
$7,200
$3,600
$1,000
$3,600
Additional Fees Total (Per Event) $190(
Additional Fees Total: $15,400
TOTAL. Funding Request
040
(12 events)
Revenue Based Income: Current vendor fees are $70 (After Square transaction fees it is $67.67 per vendor) per event,
with a discounted rate for all downtown merchants and service based vendors ($40). Approved nonprofits, such as our
monthly pet adoption partners, participate at no cost.
Assuming all vendors (up to 150) are paying the full vendor fee for each of the 12 events, while accounting for Square's
transaction fees, the projected annual revenue is approximately $121,806.
This funding is essential to sustaining and growing our operations—supporting local small businesses, maintaining event
quality, and continuing to serve the Clearwater community year-round.
pplicants Contribution: $125,280
Exhibit "C"
NO COERCION FOR LABOR OR SERVICES ATTESTATION
Pursuant to Section 787:06(93), F.S., thisfarm must be :completed by an officer or representative
of a: nongovernmental entity. when a contract is executed, :renewed, or extended between the
nongovernmental entity and.a governmental entity.
The Market Culture LLC does not use coercion for labor orservices as defined in Section 787:06,
Under penalty of perjury, I deal re that I have read the foregoing statement. and that the facts
mj /
stated in it are a co
Signature:
Printed Name:
Title:.
Blair Valentine
AMBR
Date: ,June 3, 2026