Council backs limited city support for Jamaica relief concert, caps internal costs at about $18,000

The council voted to provide limited, contingent city support to an organizers’ request to host a free Jamaica relief concert in Riviera Beach on Dec. 14. Organizers say the event will collect donations by QR code and bring international artists and community participants together to raise funds and goods for hurricane relief in Jamaica.

Special events staff estimated the internal personnel and production costs at roughly $48,236.72 (police $12,906.72, fire $1,960, parks and recreation $3,790, plus other production costs and pending public works costs). Organizers requested $30,000 to cover production and operational expenses; after debate about fiduciary priorities and the city’s duty to local taxpayers, councilmembers proposed and approved a capped, contingent internal support package of $18,008 to fund police, fire and parks staff and the venue contingent on the production providing required certificates of insurance, a cleanup plan and evidence of outside sponsorships to cover the remainder.

Supporters said the free concert would engage local residents, use local vendors and raise substantial funds via QR donations and streamed fundraising for Jamaica; opponents said the city should prioritize local resident needs and avoid spending general revenue on an international relief effort. The mayor’s office and chief of staff said the event organizers and participating artists are contributing time and sponsorship outreach; staff will hold the approved internal funding in contingency until organizers meet insurance and cleanup requirements.