Subject:
Title
Tourism Promotion Agreement with Sunsets at Pier 60 Society, Inc. for a Fiscal Year 2025 Elite Event.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the Tourism Promotion Agreement with Sunsets at Pier 60 Society, Inc. (Pier 60) for a Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Elite Event.
• Agreement with Pier 60 for $75,000.00 supports The Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival (Sugar Sand Festival).
• Funding is fully allocated toward sponsorship benefits and will be paid post event.
• FY25 Elite Event funding was recommended by the Tourist Development Council on July 17, 2024, and approved by the Board of County Commissioners (Board) on August 13, 2024.
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Strategic Plan:
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.2 Provide and promote tourism opportunities
Summary:
The Tourism Promotion Agreement is for the Sugar Sand Festival, which is scheduled to be held April 11-27, 2025, on Clearwater Beach. Funding is paid on a post event basis upon receipt of a report and other supporting documentation.
Background/Explanation:
On August 13, 2024, the Board approved 39 events for the FY25 Elite Event Funding Program for a maximum (or “up to”) total funding amount of $2,000,000.00.
The County has supported the Sugar Sand Festival through the Elite Event Funding Program since FY15. According to the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (CVB’s) research firm, the FY23 festival resulted in a direct economic impact of over $20.6 million to the County. Due to the festival’s long standing history of success, the CVB determined further research reports weren’t necessary.
Funding for this event is allocated toward sponsorship benefits which are detailed in Exhibit A of the agreement. Funding is paid on a post event basis upon receipt of a report and other supporting documentation and is due within 45 days of the event.
Fiscal Impact:
$75,000.00 Sugar Sand Festival
Funding to support this Tourism Promotion Agreement in the amount of $75,000.00 is included in 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 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