Downtown Development Board approves funding for Taste of Clearwater, pop-up grants, chalk walk and college-led markets

The Clearwater Downtown Development Board on April 14 approved multiple event and activation programs intended to increase foot traffic and support downtown businesses, including a $30,000 special-event grant for the Taste of Clearwater, a $50,000 pilot micro pop-up grant program, a $15,000 grad chalk walk and a six-week Friday-night market series led by St. Petersburg College (SPC) with up to $50,000 in funding plus city fees.

Board members and staff said the initiatives aim to animate the 400–500 blocks of Cleveland Street, support small and emerging event organizers, and create repeatable, family-friendly activations that funnel visitors to brick-and-mortar businesses.

The board approved staff’s recommendation to award $30,000 to Clearwater Rotary Charities Inc. for the Taste of Clearwater, a free event planned for May 31 at Coachmen Park with an estimated attendance of 5,000–7,000 and a total event budget of $55,920. Vicky Shire, CRE division manager, told the board the applicant met the DDB high-impact grant criteria (attendance over 2,000, two-plus years of experience, free and open to the public) and that the applicant’s contribution met the 20% minimum. Staff…