City of Clearwater, FL
08/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/06/2026 16:55
August Meeting Recap: New Developments, Budgets and Downtown Events
August Meeting Recap: New Developments, Budgets and Downtown Events
Published on August 06, 2026
The Clearwater Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and Clearwater Downtown Development Board (DDB) held their regularly scheduled meetings Aug. 3 in the Clearwater Main Library Council Chambers.
During the CRA Trustee meeting, trustees advanced two redevelopment agreements, approved budget items for the Downtown Clearwater and North Greenwood redevelopment areas and recognized the August Business Spotlight recipient. The Clearwater DDB received a recap of Symphony by the Sea and approved funding for two upcoming cultural events.
North Greenwood Armory Redevelopment Moves Forward
The sale and redevelopment agreement for the CRA-owned armory property at 706 N. Missouri Ave. to Saint Benedict Holdings LLC was approved by Clearwater CRA trustees.
The property will be purchased for $2 million and incorporated into Yo Mama's Foods' Clearwater operations. Planned uses include:
- Warehousing and distribution
- Light manufacturing and packaging
- Corporate offices and training
- Research and development
- Related commercial operations
The agreement requires the property to be placed into commercial use within 120 days after closing and remain in commercial use for at least 15 years. The developer will also use reasonable best efforts to preserve and adaptively reuse the historic armory building.
Community commitments outlined in the agreement include efforts to create up to 30 full-time jobs, with a goal of employing at least 10 North Greenwood residents. The company also plans to promote employment opportunities through CareerSource, and explore internships, apprenticeships and technical-college partnerships.
Company representatives shared that two additional employees have already been hired, three positions remain available and 10 local students participated in summer internships.
Affordable and Mixed-Use Housing Development Moves Forward
An agreement with BDP Development Partners LLC, an affiliate of Archway Partners, was approved for the purchase and redevelopment of seven CRA-owned parcels near South Martin Luther King Jr. and South Washington avenues, north of Gould Street. This new development will be known as Washington Commons.
The approximately 3.13-acre property will be sold for $2.52 million and transformed into a mixed-use development containing:
- At least 178 residential units
- At least 3,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space
- An initial phase of at least 75 housing units
- Additional phases as financing becomes available
The developer plans to pursue low-income housing tax credits and other funding sources to support the project. The project is expected to expand housing opportunities near Downtown Clearwater while returning CRA-owned property to productive use.
Soul Sicilian Fusion Recognized as August Business Spotlight Winner
The Clearwater CRA recognized Soul Sicilian Fusion as the winner of the August 2026 Business Spotlight Program. Owners Anello Menza and Natalia Harrison were honored for the restaurant's contributions to Downtown Clearwater and its commitment to quality, tradition and hospitality. Located at 516 Cleveland St., the family-operated restaurant opened in 2019 and will celebrate its seventh anniversary in September.
As part of the CRA Business Spotlight Program, the restaurant was featured through a dedicated article and video highlighting its story, menu and connection to the downtown community.
Fiscal Year 2026-27 Downtown and North Greenwood Budgets
The proposed Downtown Clearwater budget includes approximately $6.7 million in projected tax increment revenue. Funding will support economic development, housing opportunities, public safety, CRA operations and staffing. The budget also includes funding for two Clearwater Police officers dedicated to the downtown redevelopment area and continued support for the Clearwater DDB through the existing interlocal agreement.
The North Greenwood budget includes approximately $1.2 million in projected tax increment revenue and focuses on three primary priorities:
- Affordable housing
- Economic development
- Improved mobility
FY 2026-27 Downtown Clearwater FY 2026-27 North Greenwood
Clearwater Downtown Development Board Meeting Updates
Symphony by the Sea Recap Highlights Community Impact
The Clearwater Downtown Development Board received a recap of Symphony by the Sea, held June 6 at The BayCare Sound. Presented by The Florida Orchestra, the community concert featured patriotic music, Broadway selections and popular movie themes. Approximately 1,200 attendees were estimated by Placer.ai, and approximately 150 pounds of goods were donated to The Salvation Army.
The next Symphony by the Sea is scheduled for May 7, 2027, with plans to expand participation from local schools and music education organizations.
DDB Approves Funding for Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival
The DDB approved funding of up to $50,000 for the inaugural Chalk the Bay Art and Music Festival, scheduled for Jan. 15-17, 2027, at Coachman Park.
The free, family-friendly festival will bring professional chalk artists, musicians and community activities to Downtown Clearwater. Proposed festival features include:
- Large-scale 2D and 3D chalk artwork
- Live music and entertainment
- Student and emerging artists along Cleveland Street
- Interactive art activities
- Arts and crafts vendors
- Children's activities
- An artist awards celebration and Cleveland Street block party
Organizers plan to feature approximately 40 or more artists and provide participating artists with restaurant vouchers that can be used at Cleveland Street businesses.
DDB Approves Funding for TBUS Ukulele Fest
The DDB approved funding of up to $12,500 for the sixth annual TBUS Ukulele Fest in the District, scheduled for April 4, 2027.
The free music festival will return to Cleveland Street after being held at Coachman Park the previous year. Plans include approximately eight hours of live music presented at multiple locations throughout the district, along with workshops and performances by local and nationally recognized ukulele musicians.
DDB Approves Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget
The Clearwater Downtown Development Board approved its proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget totaling approximately $1.51 million.
The proposed budget includes investments in:
- Marketing and special events
- Business assistance
- The DDB Microgrant Program
- Implementation of the new Downtown Clearwater brand
- Future downtown initiatives
- Administrative and operational expenses
The budget will move forward to the DDB's millage and budget hearings scheduled for Sept. 15 and Sept. 21.
City of Clearwater, FL published this content on August 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on August 06, 2026 at 22:55 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]