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08/03/2026CLEARWATER DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BOARD MEETING August 3, 2026 — 1:00 PM — City Council Chambers Board Members Present: Chair Bruce Rector; Vice Chair Ryan Cotton; Member David Allbritton; Member Mike Mannino; Member Lina Teixeira; Member Kevin Tatlici Board Members Not Present: Member Mikhail Knodortsov Also present: Jesus Nino, CRA Director; Owen Kohler, City Attorney; Jennifer Poirrier, City Manager; Alfred Battle, Assistant City Manager 1. Call to Order. Chair Rector called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m. 2. Approval of Minutes. 2.1 ID#26-0883 Approve the minutes for the July 13, 2026, Downtown Development Board meeting. Member Tatlici moved to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2026, Downtown Development Board meeting. The motion was seconded. Upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: Vice Chair Cotton, Member Allbritton, Member Teixeira, Member Mannino, Member Tatlici 3. New Business Items 3.1 ID#26-0886 Event Recap — Symphony by the Sea CRA Division Manager Vickie Shire presented a recap of the Symphony by the Sea event hosted by the Florida Orchestra on June 6, 2026, at The BayCare Sound. Staff reported anticipated attendance was approximately 2,500 attendees, while Placer.ai estimated attendance at approximately 1,200 visitors. Staff then introduced representatives from the Florida Orchestra to provide an event recap. Laurie Osborn, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, and Anita Samaroo, Vice President of Finance and Administration, presented an overview of the event. The presentation highlighted the concert programming, community partnerships, marketing efforts, attendance, and lessons learned. Representatives reported the event featured patriotic music, movie themes, and Broadway selections. New community partnerships included nonprofit organizations that hosted informational booths prior to the performance. The event also included a Salvation Army donation drive that collected approximately 150 pounds of donated goods. The presenters reviewed the organization's marketing campaign, which included press releases, digital advertising, social media outreach, and partnerships with community organizations. Social media efforts generated significant online engagement and impressions. Representatives discussed challenges affecting attendance, including the rescheduling of the event from its original May date because of a scheduling conflict and the move outside the Florida Orchestra's traditional concert season after local schools had recessed for the summer. These factors limited opportunities for student participation and community engagement. The Florida Orchestra stated that Symphony by the Sea is scheduled to return on May 7, 2027, allowing the organization to once again partner with local schools and expand community participation. Member Tatlici thanked the Florida Orchestra for its flexibility in accommodating the date change and expressed support for returning the event to the spring schedule. Chair Rector commented on the importance of music education and noted that scheduling the event while schools are in session would provide greater opportunities for student participation and community involvement. The Board thanked the Florida Orchestra for its continued partnership and looked forward to next year's event. 3.2 ID#26-0790 Approve funding for the Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival scheduled for January 15-17, 2027, for a total not to exceed amount of $30,000 CRAAssistant Director Anne Lopez presented a request from the City's Cultural Affairs Division for a Downtown Development Board High Impact Grant to support the inaugural Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival scheduled for January 15-17, 2027, at Coachman Park. Staff recommended approval of funding in an amount not to exceed $30,000. Arts and Cultural Affairs Manager Amber Brice presented an overview of the proposed festival. The event will feature professional chalk artists from across the country, Targe -scale two-dimensional and three-dimensional chalk artwork, live music, student engagement activities, food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and interactive family activities. Ms. Brice reported strong interest from artists throughout the United States and Mexico and stated the goal is to host approximately 70 to 80 professional artists, with future growth opportunities. She also described plans to activate Cleveland Street through student art installations, artist activities, and a downtown block party recognizing participating artists and sponsors. Board members expressed strong support for the event, noting its unique nature, anticipated social media exposure, and ability to attract visitors to downtown Clearwater. Members commented that the festival has the potential to become a signature downtown event and praised staff for developing an innovative community arts initiative. Discussion followed regarding the proposed event budget and funding needs. Ms. Brice explained that while the event could proceed with reduced funding, approximately $50,000 would provide the minimum funding necessary to produce the festival at the desired scale while allowing flexibility if additional sponsorships are secured. Following discussion, Member Tatlici moved to approve funding in an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival. The motion was seconded. Upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: Vice Chair Cotton, Member Allbritton, Member Teixeira, Member Mannino, Member Tatlici 3.4 ID#26-0847 Approve a Community Event Funding request from the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society to produce the TBUS Uke Fest in the District on April 4, 2027, in an amount not to exceed $12,500. CRA Division. Manager Vickie Shire presented a Community Event Funding request submitted by the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society in an amount not to exceed $12,500 to produce the Tampa Bay Ukulele Festival in the District on April 4, 2027. Staff reported the event is a free public music festival scheduled to take place on the 400 Block of Cleveland Street and Peace Memorial with an anticipated attendance of approximately 1,000 visitors. The total event budget is approximately $26,500, with the applicant contributing $10,000, third -party contributions totaling $3,500, and the remaining amount requested through the Downtown Development Board Community Event Grant Program. Mr. Rob Wilde, Event Director for the Tampa Bay Ukulele Festival, provided an overview of the festival and thanked City staff for their continued support in organizing the event. Mr. Wilde stated that the 2027 festival will mark the sixth year of the event and noted that it has become a recognized event within the international ukulele community, attracting performers and attendees from across the United States and abroad. Mr. Wilde explained that the festival will return to Cleveland Street after utilizing Coachman Park during the previous year. He stated the event will feature multiple outdoor performance stages, workshops, professional musicians, and a free public concert in the renovated Roebling Hall. In addition, advanced workshops will be hosted the day before the festival, and musical performances will continue throughout the day to encourage visitors to patronize downtown businesses. Mr. Wilde highlighted the nationally recognized performers scheduled to appear at the festival and discussed the organization's marketing strategy, which includes traditional media, social media, and promotion through national and international ukulele organizations. Member Allbritton expressed support for the event, noting its consistent success and unique ability to attract visitors to downtown Clearwater. Member Tatlici stated he was pleased to see the festival returning to Cleveland Street and commented that the street -based format creates greater activity for downtown businesses than the previous year's Coachman Park layout. He asked about attendancefigures from prior years and the event's marketing budget. Mr. Wilde explained that attendance estimates have historically been conservative and noted that while Placer.ai estimated approximately 629 visitors during the previous festival, the organization believes actual attendance throughout the day was significantly higher due to continuous visitor turnover. He added that approximately $9,000 is allocated toward marketing through radio, print, billboards, social media, and other promotional efforts designed to attract visitors from throughout the Tampa Bay region and beyond. Vice Chair Cotton commented that the festival brings a unique audience to downtown. Clearwater and represents a worthwhile investment because of its ability to introduce new visitors to the district. Chair Rector stated the event receives substantial media attention that promotes downtown Clearwater beyond event attendance alone. He further commented that returning the festival to Cleveland Street would likely improve visitor interaction with downtown businesses compared to the previous year's layout. Member Allbritton moved to approve the Community Event Funding request for the Tampa Bay Ukulele Festival in the District in an amount not to exceed $12,500. The motion was seconded. Upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: Vice Chair Cotton, Member Allbritton, Member Teixeira, Member Mannino, Member Tatlici 3.3 ID#26-0888 Approve a High Impact Grant funding request from Florida Best Promotions Inc. to produce the Salsa & Bachata at the District — Halloween Costume Block Party on October 31, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $30,000. The Board returned to Agenda Item 3.3 following consideration of Item 3.4 CRA Division Manager Vickie Shire presented a High Impact Grant request submitted by Florida Best Promotions, Inc. to produce Salsa & Bachata at the District Halloween Costume Block Party on October 31, 2026. Staff reported the event is anticipated to attract approximately 5,000 attendees and noted that while the applicant requested funding exceeding the High Impact Grant limit, staff recommended approval in an amount not to exceed $30,000 in accordance with the Downtown Development Board funding policy. Mr. Richard Del Rio, President of Florida Best Promotions, presented an overview of the proposed event. He stated the Halloween -themed celebration would feature live Latin music, dancing, entertainment, costume activities, and expanded regional marketing intended to attract visitors from throughout Florida. Mr. Del Rio also discussed efforts to promote Clearwater as a destination for Latin dance events and highlighted plans to produce a documentary showcasing the event and downtown Clearwater. Member Teixeira expressed support for scheduling the event on Halloween, stating that the date presents an opportunity to strengthen downtown Clearwater's holiday programming. Member Tatlici commended the success of previous Salsa & Bachata events but expressed concerns regarding the placement of temporary food and beverage vendors during recent monthly events. He stated that brick -and -mortar businesses should remain the primary beneficiaries of Downtown Development Board -funded events and encouraged continued coordination with downtown merchants to minimize competition. Mr. Del Rio responded that he has worked closely with surrounding businesses and had not previously received negative feedback regarding event operations. He stated he would continue meeting with downtown merchants to identify opportunities for improvement and to ensure future events support local businesses. Vice Chair Cotton asked how the applicant intends to reduce future reliance on Downtown Development Board funding and encouraged additional sponsorship opportunities as the event continues to grow. Chair Rector noted that the agenda materials did not include the applicant's event budget, which limited the Board's ability to fully evaluate the funding request. Staff acknowledged that the budget had been submitted with the application but was inadvertently omitted from the published agenda materials. Following Board discussion, members agreed additional review of the complete budget information was appropriate before taking action on the funding request. By consensus of the Board, consideration of Item 3.3 was continued to a future Downtown Development Board meeting to allow staff to provide the complete budget information and conduct additional follow-up regarding merchant feedback. 3.5 ID#26-0885 Approve the June 2026 Financial Statement for Filing. CRA Coordinator Brian Ulbricht presented the June 2026 Financial Statement for Filing. Mr. Ulbricht reported that expenditures for the month of June totaled $45,846. Year-to-date expenditures and transfers totaled approximately $940,890, with a remaining balance across the budget of $1,131,806. Mr. Ulbricht explained that $25,000 was reallocated from the Future Downtown Initiatives budget line to the Marketing budget line to provide sufficient funding for approved event grant requests through the remainder of the fiscal year. He noted that the reallocation did not increase the overall budget but instead redistributed existing appropriations between budget line items to meet current program needs. He further stated that any remaining balances were reallocated to the Unallocated Special Events Grants budget line to support future Downtown Development Board programming. Staff recommended approval of the June 2026 Financial Statement for filing. There being no Board discussion, Member Mannino moved to approve the June 2026 Financial Statement for Filing. The motion was seconded. Upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: Vice Chair Cotton, Member Allbritton, Member Teixeira, Member Mannino, Member Tatlici 3.6 ID#26-0894 Approve the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 for the Clearwater Downtown Development Board. CRA Assistant Director Anne Lopez presented the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget for the Clearwater Downtown Development Board. Ms. Lopez reported the proposed budget totals $1,513,438. Property tax revenue is projected at $523,809, representing an increase over the amended Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget. The proposed budget also includes $567,915 in unassigned fund balance to support proposed expenditures. She noted that any remaining unassigned fund balance at the close of the current fiscal year will be appropriated through a future budget amendment. Ms. Lopez stated that, in accordance with the Interlocal Agreement with the Community Redevelopment Agency, the management and administrative fee reflects a 5 percent increase over the current fiscal year. She reviewed the major budget categories, including: Staff and Office Expenditures; Fixed Payments; Marketing in the amount of $602,369, including previously approved funding, $150,000 for the Micro Grant Program, and $50,000 to implement the new Downtown Clearwater brand and logo; Business Assistance in the amount of $195,097; and Future Downtown Initiatives in the amount of $192,797. Ms. Lopez stated the proposed budget supports the Board's priorities by investing in business assistance, marketing, special events, and future downtown initiatives. She further advised that, if approved, the proposed budget would be presented during the Downtown Development Board's public budget and millage hearings scheduled for September 15, 2026, and September 21, 2026. There being no further Board discussion, Vice Chair Cotton moved to approve the proposed Fiscal Year 2026/2027 Budget for the Clearwater Downtown Development Board. The motion was seconded. Upon roll call, the vote was: Ayes: Vice Chair Cotton, Member Allbritton, Member Teixeira, Member Mannino, Member Tatlici 4. Director's Report 4.1 ID#26-0896 DDB Director's Report August 2026 CRA Director Jesus Nino presented the August 2026 Director's Report, highlighting recent downtown events, ongoing redevelopment initiatives, marketing activities, and upcoming programming. Mr. Nino recognized the successful launch of the new Downtown Clearwater brand approved by the Board at its previous meeting and thanked Board members, City staff, and RB Oppenheim Associates for their collaboration throughout the branding initiative. He stated staff has begun implementing the new branding across Downtown Development Board marketing materials and communications. Mr. Nino also highlighted recent downtown events, including the First Friday Lunchtime Market, Symphony by the Sea, and ongoing activation efforts throughout the downtown district. He discussed upcoming special events scheduled during the fall season and noted staff continuesto work with event organizers to enhance programming and increase visitation to downtown Clearwater. Mr. Nino provided an update on implementation of the Downtown Marketing and Public Relations Initiative. He discussed the collaborative efforts between the CRA, Public Communications, and RB Oppenheim Associates to finalize the Downtown Clearwater Brand Kit and begin incorporating the new visual identity into future marketing campaigns. Mr. Battle stated staff would continue working with community stakeholders and partner organizations to ensure consistent use of the new brand across downtown promotional materials. Board members expressed appreciation for the progress made on the branding initiative and looked forward to seeing the new identity incorporated into future downtown events and marketing efforts. Member Teixeira commented that the branding initiative represents an important milestone for downtown Clearwater and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming implementation. Vice Chair Cotton thanked staff and the consultant team for their work and stated the new branding provides a strong foundation for future marketing efforts. Chair Rector echoed the Board's appreciation and stated the branding initiative positions downtown Clearwater well for future economic development and visitor attraction. The Board received the Director's Report. 5. Board Members to be Heard. Member Tatlici initiated discussion regarding the use of vouchers and the potential benefits of a voucher program for Downtown Clearwater. Board members discussed the purpose and potential structure of a voucher program, including how vouchers could encourage patrons to visit downtown businesses and support local merchants. Member Mannino stated this topic can be an agenda item at a future meeting. 6. Adjournment. The meeting was adjourned at 2:38 p.m. ssistant P`"- ctor Chair Downtown Development Board