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Board asks Florida Best Promotions to return with budget details for Halloween block party
Summary
A request for high-impact funding for a Halloween block party (Oct. 31) was discussed at length; trustees asked the organizer for a detailed budget and follow-up with downtown merchants and deferred final action to a September meeting.
At the Aug. 3 Downtown Development Board meeting, Florida Best Promotions Inc. sought high-impact grant funding for a Halloween block party (Salsa in the District) scheduled for Oct. 31, 2026. Applicant Rich Del Rio presented a proposed $69,400 event budget and requested funding; staff noted the DDB policy caps awards at $30,000 and recommended approval at that maximum amount. Del Rio said sponsorships and in-kind services were also part of the funding plan.
Board members raised concerns about merchant impacts, especially where alcohol vendors or wet zones potentially draw attendees away from brick-and-mortar restaurants. Trustee questions focused on: where vendor activity would be located, whether food vendors would cannibalize nearby restaurants, what sponsorship commitments existed, and how the organizer would address reported merchant complaints. Staff acknowledged a budget file had been submitted with the application but not attached to the agenda packet and agreed to provide the budget and follow up with merchants; the board requested the applicant return at the September meeting with complete budget materials and merchant feedback.
No funding motion was approved during the Aug. 3 meeting; staff confirmed the item would be brought back at a later date after follow-up.
