Atlantic Beach ARC sets grant calendar: applications due July 27, presentations Aug. 26, commission vote in October

The Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee of the City of Atlantic Beach on July 4 confirmed the 2026–27 grants calendar and next steps for awarding community funding. A city staff member summarized the timeline, saying applications will be accepted through July 27 and that staff will distribute submissions to committee members within three business days after the deadline.

The committee was told semifinalist organizations will present to the ARC on Aug. 26; the chamber is reserved for presentations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the committee blocking time for deliberations and lunch. "We have 9 to 5, usually, for presentation slots, and we'll usually have lunch in here," a city staff member said during the meeting.

Members discussed options if some reviewers cannot attend Aug. 26: stay later that day, or schedule a short follow-up meeting to complete voting. The staff emphasized the need for a final decision before Oct. 1 so awards and checks can be processed at the start of the new fiscal year; the ARC will deliver its recommendation to the city commission on Oct. 12.

Committee members were reminded that the GRAMA scoring rubric in the packet is a reference tool and that members retain discretion during deliberations. The committee expects additional last-minute applications and agreed staff should be flexible if the applicant pool increases.

What happens next: applicants must file by July 27; staff will circulate application materials to ARC members shortly thereafter; semifinalist presentations are scheduled Aug. 26; the ARC will present recommendations to the city commission in October, with awards processed before the new fiscal year.