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Clearwater council approves $514,390 in-kind cosponsorships and $150,000 cash for special events; residents raise Turkey Trot safety concerns
Summary
The Clearwater City Council on May 15 approved the annual cosponsorship and fee-waiver budget for eight high-impact special events, authorizing an estimated $514,390 in in-kind city services and $150,000 in cash contributions for fiscal year 2025–26.
The Clearwater City Council on May 15 approved the annual cosponsorship and fee-waiver budget for eight high-impact special events, authorizing an estimated $514,390 in in-kind city services and $150,000 in cash contributions from the general fund for fiscal year 2025–26.
The item was presented by Mark Keator, director of Parks and Recreation, who told the council the proposal had been discussed at a work session earlier in the week and that staff was available to answer questions. The council moved and seconded approval and voted unanimously to adopt the budget item.
The agenda item matters because the program covers city support — from permitting assistance to public-safety and traffic management — for large community events that rely on municipal services and can affect neighborhoods.
During public comment, residents asked the council to reconsider routing and safety for some events. Philip Kitchens, a Seaver Drive resident, told the council the Turkey Trot route still runs in front of his street and said that pedestrian safety has deteriorated as the event has grown. He said vehicles and participants were sharing the route and described seeing ambulances and unmarked police cars on the course, adding, “I want Clearwater safe.” Another speaker who identified themselves as visiting from outside the city questioned the $514,390 figure and urged the council to cut perceived excess spending on events while noting other items they considered higher priority.
Council members did not amend the item after public comment. The motion to approve passed unanimously.
The approved cosponsorship package will be included in departmental budget submissions for FY 2025–26 and authorizes staff to finalize agreements and execute associated documents.
Notes: The council discussion and vote took place under agenda item 6.1. Public comments on event routing and pedestrian safety were made during the item’s public-comment period.
