Sweetwater designates Veterans Day as city holiday, authorizes annual Valor Fest

The City Commission of the City of Sweetwater voted Aug. 25 to recognize Veterans Day as a city holiday and to authorize an annual festival, commonly referred to at the meeting as "Valor Fest."

Mayor Diaz told commissioners the event last year drew strong community participation and corporate support; he said sponsor commitments for the upcoming festival include local and national organizations. "Pepe Badia already came as a title sponsor," the mayor said, and he also cited Clear Channel, Motorola, Miami Dade Federal Credit Union, Telemundo and Comcast as parties that have committed support.

The mayor said sponsorships and in-kind media and staging support reduce the direct city cost. Staff and commissioners noted that the mayor used funds from the special-events budget last year and that the event generated roughly six-figure donor support; staff said the city also has a budget line for the festival and would seek supplemental funding if needed.

Commissioner Saldivar asked whether the resolution authorized a spending cap; the mayor replied that most costs are covered by sponsors and in-kind contributors but that if additional funds are required he would return to the commission. The resolution empowers the mayor to take necessary actions and expend such funds as necessary and proper for the holiday and festival.

A motion to adopt the resolution was seconded by Commissioner Luis; the commission conducted a roll call and approved the resolution.

Speakers (selected): Mayor Diaz (government); Commissioner Saldivar (government); Commissioner Luis (government); staff (special events).