The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency approved funding for a proposed "Tasty Tampa Bay" food and vendor festival to be held at Coachman Park on Feb. 21, 2026. CRA staff presented the request and said the applicant requested $18,000; staff recommended funding not to exceed $13,000.

Representatives of the event (founders of the Tasty Tampa Bay Facebook group) described a free festival that will showcase local food trucks, restaurants and artisans from the Tampa Bay region, and said they already have more than 155 vendors signed and media engagement planned. Organizers told trustees they will offer complimentary tent space for downtown brick-and-mortar restaurants to either sell food or use the booth as a funnel to direct visitors to their restaurants. They said door‑to‑door merchant outreach will be coordinated with CRA and parks staff.

Trustees asked about merchant contact and participation; staff said CRA or parks staff will coordinate door‑to‑door outreach. A motion to approve agenda item 3.2 was made and seconded, and the board voted in favor. Staff will document the final grant amount and conditions in the subsequent contract or grant agreement.