Subject:
Title
Tourism Promotion Agreement with Clearwater Jazz Foundation, Inc., as part of the Fiscal Year 2027 Elite Events Program.
label
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Tourism Promotion Agreement with Clearwater Jazz Foundation, Inc., for Clearwater Jazz Holiday a Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Elite Event.
• Agreement with Clearwater Jazz Foundation Inc., for a total of $37,500 supports the Clearwater Jazz Holiday taking place at Coachman Park in Clearwater on October 15-18, 2026.
• Funding is allocated as follows:
o $18,750 for sponsorship benefits
o Up to $18,750 for pre-event marketing and advertising expenditures
• This event was included in the FY27 Elite Event Program recommended by the Tourist Development Council on July 15, 2026, and approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on August 25, 2026.
• Funding was awarded based on last year’s event performance that drew:
o 10,467 Attendees
o 2,504 Tourists
• As determined, the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will leverage the use of available data sources to substantiate attendance and estimate economic impact and total room nights for Elite Events.
• Agreement is budgeted in the Adopted FY27 CVB Budget funded by the Tourist Development Tax.
Body
Strategic Priorities:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities.
Summary:
The Tourism Promotion Agreement is for the Clearwater Jazz Holiday, which is scheduled to be held between October 15-18, 2026, at Coachman Park. Funding will be paid on a post event basis upon receipt of a report and other supporting documentation.
Background/Explanation:
On August 25, 2026, the Board approved 47 events for the FY27 Elite Event Funding Program (Elite Program) for a maximum (or ”up to”) total funding amount of $3,367,500
Funding is allocated between sponsorship benefits, and marketing and advertising expenditures which are detailed in Exhibits A. Funding is paid on a post event basis upon receipt of a report and other supporting documentation.
Fiscal Impact:
$37,500 Total Cost
Funding to support the Elite Event Funding Program is included in the CVB’s Annual Adopted Operating Budget. The source of funding is the Tourist Development Tax Fund.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Tourism Promotion Agreement is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Brian Lowack, Director, Convention and Visitors Bureau
Partners:
Tourist Development Council
Attachments:
Tourism Promotion Agreement