Downtown Development Board approves $842,915 carryforward and appoints local restaurateur
February 02, 2026 | Clearwater, Pinellas County, Florida
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The Downtown Development Board on Feb. 2 approved first-quarter amendments to its fiscal 2026 budget and unanimously appointed a local business owner to a vacant seat.
Jesus Nino, Downtown Development Board executive director, told trustees the amendment recognizes $842,915 in unspent funds carried forward from the prior fiscal year, reclassifies an administrative expense to the Community Redevelopment Agency and reallocates $15,000 from a grant that did not proceed. Staff proposed directing $50,000 to a microgrant program, $50,000 to DDB marketing, $15,000 to the outdoor café grant program, $150,000 to Cleveland Street activation and $592,915 to future downtown initiatives.
“The proposed amendment includes three primary adjustments,” Nino said, explaining the transfer and reallocation. Board members moved and approved the amendment by unanimous vote.
Later in the meeting the board filled a vacancy left by a resignation. Nino said 10 applications were received and five met qualification rules under city ordinance 9744-24. Candidates forwarded for appointment included Jessica Andahar (Nash Keys), Juan Carlos Garcia (Clearwater Beach Fitness), Kevin Tetlisi (District Bistro), Pavlinka Vitanoff (The Ring Workspaces) and Alana Whitehouse (Frank Crum).
Business owners and residents at the meeting spoke in favor of a merchant representative. Dan Mahoney, owner of Downtown Pizza, praised Kevin Tetlisi as “a great addition to our block,” and multiple council members said they valued representation from an existing downtown business. A motion to appoint Kevin Tetlisi passed unanimously.
The board also approved the October–December 2025 financial statement for filing. Jesus Nino reported total expenditures and transfers through December 2025 were $575,971 and the remaining available balance as of October 2025 was $653,810.
Next steps: the DDB will implement the budget reclassifications and disburse microgrant and activation funds as described; the newly appointed trustee will serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
Jesus Nino, Downtown Development Board executive director, told trustees the amendment recognizes $842,915 in unspent funds carried forward from the prior fiscal year, reclassifies an administrative expense to the Community Redevelopment Agency and reallocates $15,000 from a grant that did not proceed. Staff proposed directing $50,000 to a microgrant program, $50,000 to DDB marketing, $15,000 to the outdoor café grant program, $150,000 to Cleveland Street activation and $592,915 to future downtown initiatives.
“The proposed amendment includes three primary adjustments,” Nino said, explaining the transfer and reallocation. Board members moved and approved the amendment by unanimous vote.
Later in the meeting the board filled a vacancy left by a resignation. Nino said 10 applications were received and five met qualification rules under city ordinance 9744-24. Candidates forwarded for appointment included Jessica Andahar (Nash Keys), Juan Carlos Garcia (Clearwater Beach Fitness), Kevin Tetlisi (District Bistro), Pavlinka Vitanoff (The Ring Workspaces) and Alana Whitehouse (Frank Crum).
Business owners and residents at the meeting spoke in favor of a merchant representative. Dan Mahoney, owner of Downtown Pizza, praised Kevin Tetlisi as “a great addition to our block,” and multiple council members said they valued representation from an existing downtown business. A motion to appoint Kevin Tetlisi passed unanimously.
The board also approved the October–December 2025 financial statement for filing. Jesus Nino reported total expenditures and transfers through December 2025 were $575,971 and the remaining available balance as of October 2025 was $653,810.
Next steps: the DDB will implement the budget reclassifications and disburse microgrant and activation funds as described; the newly appointed trustee will serve through Dec. 31, 2027.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
