The Downtown Development Board approved a $15,000 community grant to the Tampa Bay Ukulele Society to host a one‑day ukulele festival on March 15, 2026, shifting the event footprint to Coachman Park for a mid‑afternoon concert.

Staff presented the application and noted the Society’s multi‑year history in downtown Clearwater and its merchant‑focused approach. The presentation stated the festival will occupy the 400–500 blocks of Cleveland Street from noon to 4 p.m., followed by a 4–6 p.m. concert at Coachman Park; the staff packet listed an estimated project cost of $27,100 and anticipated cumulative attendance of about 1,000 for the daytime festival and 300 or more for the concert.

At the meeting a presenter for the Society — identified only by role in the record — described marketing and outreach work including billboards, relations with regional media outlets and partnerships with other ukulele clubs across Florida, and said organizers and merchants have been engaged about vendor space and cross‑promotion. The presenter and staff said organizers contribute cash and in‑kind services; during discussion the applicant clarified their out‑of‑pocket contribution for this year was $7,500 (transcript numbers in the packet and oral remarks contained inconsistencies on the applicant contribution figure).

Following board discussion and public comments from merchants and staff representatives, a motion to approve the grant was moved and seconded. Trustees voted unanimously to approve the community grant and authorize execution of the grant agreement for an amount not to exceed $15,000 for eligible direct costs and city fees.

Board members emphasized merchant collaboration, cross‑promotion with other downtown events, and prudent use of city funding for recurring events as priorities; staff said the Society will work with downtown merchants and park staff to limit competing food vendors and to maximize local business benefit.