Subject:
Title
Grant Agreement with the Florida Sports Foundation, Inc., a division of Enterprise Florida, Inc. for the St. Pete Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Grant Agreement with the Florida Sports Foundation, Inc., a division of Enterprise Florida, Inc. (FSF) for the St. Pete Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational softball tournament (Tournament).
• Convention and Visitors Bureau applied for and was awarded a $40,677.00 grant from FSF.
• Grant requires a 1:1 match.
• This is the fifth year for the Tournament, which resulted in 7,447 room nights and a total estimated economic impact of $5,782,041.24 to the County.
• The Tournament was held on February 15-18, 2024, at the City of Clearwater’s Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex.
• Funding for this agreement is included in the current-year budget of the Convention and Visitors Bureau in the Tourist Development Tax Fund.
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Strategic Plan:
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.6 Support a vibrant community with recreation, arts, and culture to attract residents and visitors
Summary:
FSF awarded the County a $40,677.00 grant for the St. Pete Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational softball tournament. The Tournament was held February 15-18, 2024, at the Eddie C. Moore Softball Complex in Clearwater.
Background/Explanation:
FSF provides grants to sports commissions and/or clients of sports commissions throughout Florida to help secure, host and retain athletic events that generate significant economic impact and sports tourism for the State of Florida. FSF serves as the Sports Industry Development Division of Enterprise Florida, Inc., which is the principal economic development organization for the State.
This event brought 16 Division 1 collegiate softball teams to the City of Clearwater (City) for a tournament. Games were broadcast over four days on ESPN Networks. This Tournament resulted in 7,447 room nights and a total estimated economic impact of $5,782,041.24 to the County.
The Sports Commission applied for this grant on behalf of the City. Funds will be used to offset the City’s expenditures totaling $282,186.97.
The CVB did not receive the final agreement from FSF until July 19, 2024, which is why it is being brought forward at this late date.
Fiscal Impact:
Grant requires a 1:1 match.
Estimated County expenditure for this event: $150,000.00.
The $40,677.00 in grant revenue will be passed through to the City of Clearwater.
Funding for this event is provided through the CVB’s Annual Operating Budget. The source of funding is the Tourist Development Tax Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Grant Agreement in the amount of $40,677.00 is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Partners:
Tourist Development Council
City of Clearwater
Attachments:
Grant Agreement