Downtown Kissimmee CRA approves ‘pioneer’ grant for Hidden Gems and hires festival consultants

KISSIMMEE — The Downtown Kissimmee Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board on Tuesday approved a pioneer incentive program grant for Hidden Gems LLC and authorized a contract with consultants to develop an expanded Festival of Lights for downtown.

CRA staff recommended and the board approved a grant to Hidden Gems LLC to support redevelopment of a long-vacant 0.65-acre property on Broadway into a multifunctional tattoo and body-art studio that would include private event hosting and a tattoo academy. The CRA’s analysis estimated the finished project would generate $39,315 in incremental tax increment; the CRA awarded that amount as a redevelopment incentive.

The board also authorized the CRA manager to execute an agreement with Southern Cross Consulting LLC (and associated partners) to help develop a month‑and‑a‑half holiday event in downtown Kissimmee. City staff said the firm has experience producing immersive seasonal events and would help coordinate interactive displays and merchant engagement from the weekend after Thanksgiving through Epiphany/Three Kings Day. The staff request noted an initial $7,000 retainer and hourly fees with an internal authorization cap consistent with city policy; the CRA manager may finalize the contract per staff authority once final terms are settled.

Both items passed without public opposition. Commissioners and CRA board members said they expect the festival work to help downtown merchants by increasing holiday visitation and supporting the district’s broader redevelopment investments.