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Downtown Development Board funds markets, holiday festival and reports merchant changes on Cleveland Street
Summary
The Downtown Development Board approved revised dates for a Friday night Cleveland Street market (Jan. 9–Feb. 7, 6–9 p.m.), granted $12,900 to a Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest (Dec. 20, 2025), and staff reported market metrics, outdoor cafe grant activity and business closures at the Cleveland Street Market area.
At its Nov. 3 meeting the Downtown Development Board approved multiple downtown activations and heard an update on merchant and market activity.
Vicky Shire, senior division manager, presented revised dates for a Friday night market series on the 400 block of Cleveland Street to run six consecutive Fridays from Jan. 9 through Feb. 7 (6–9 p.m.). The board approved the revised dates after Saint Petersburg College representatives said students and entrepreneurs will participate.
The board also approved $12,900 in DDB funding to support the Jingle Bell Family Fun Fest, a one‑day holiday celebration planned for Dec. 20 at Cochin Park with estimated attendance of about 3,000. The applicant told the board they expect strong media interest and described planned family programming.
In a director’s report staff said the first lunchtime market (Oct. 3) drew roughly 150 attendees, with 11 vendors and 3 restaurants participating; upcoming markets on Nov. 7 were expected to have about 15 vendors. Staff also described the outdoor cafe grant (reimbursement of up to $8,000) and said four businesses had applied since Oct. 1. Staff reported closures at Cleveland Street Market: SLO/On the Go Cafe is closed; Top Notch Tap House’s status is uncertain; a potential new restaurant, Saburoso, has signage and staff have contacted the prospective owner. Staff said they will continue merchant outreach and share updates as openings are confirmed.
