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 recommended funding eligible costs and city fees up to $30,000; board members voiced support and the motion passed unanimously.

The board also authorized a $50,000 pilot micro pop-up grant program to support smaller, recurring events on the 400 blocks of Cleveland Street. Under the pilot, applicants may request up to $5,000 once per month; the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) executive director or designee was granted authority to approve awards administratively to streamline approvals. Vicky Shire said the DDB will also cover approved road-mitigation costs and that the program is intended to provide consistent activation and reduce barriers for emerging organizers. The board unanimously approved the pilot and the delegated approval authority.

Anne Lopez, CRA assistant director, presented a $15,000 allocation for a grad chalk walk on the 400–500 blocks of Cleveland Street. The installation will feature 14 six-by-six-foot chalk art pieces—12 dedicated to Pinellas County high schools and two celebration pieces—installed the weekend before graduation to create photo-ready opportunities for graduates and families. Lopez said a call for artists runs through April 25; staff will notify selected artists by May 5. The board approved the item unanimously.

Lopez then presented a request for up to $50,000 to support a six-week Friday-night market series led by St. Petersburg College running July 11–Aug. 15 (with two rain dates). The college will lead planning, marketing and vendor coordination; the DDB would also cover city fees (police, traffic, sanitation) that may total up to an additional ~$40,000 depending on layout. College and market representatives said the series will include up to 30 local vendors per night, live music and student entrepreneurs and that vendors will not duplicate existing Cleveland Street brick-and-mortar restaurants. The board approved the funding request and authorized the CRA executive director or designee to disperse city-fee funds as needed without further board approval.

Board members repeatedly asked staff and event organizers to prioritize use of local performers and students when feasible, to manage entertainment and marketing budgets prudently as events mature, and to coordinate proactively with downtown merchants. Staff emphasized that the pilot micro pop-up program is intended to build a roster of small, regular activations and that the CRA will take a lead role in merchant outreach and communications.

Votes at a glance

- Taste of Clearwater (Rotary Charities Inc.): Staff recommended $30,000 for eligible costs and city fees — Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Micro pop-up grant pilot (DDB/Cleveland Street): Allocate $50,000; up to $5,000 per applicant/month; CRA executive director/designee authorized to approve — Motion to approve carried unanimously. - Grad Chalk Walk (Cleveland Street activation): Allocate $15,000 for 14 chalk art pieces timed with high school graduations — Motion to approve carried unanimously. - SPC Friday-night market series: Allocate $50,000 to SPC to run a six-week market July 11–Aug. 15; DDB to cover city fees (police/traffic/sanitation) that may total up to ~$40,000; CRA executive director/designee authorized to disperse fees — Motion to approve carried unanimously.

Ending

Board members said the package of approvals is intended to increase downtown activity this summer and beyond, and asked staff to track event budgets, merchant engagement, and attendance so the board can evaluate continuation or scaling of the programs in future budget cycles.