On August 25, Pinellas County commissioners voted unanimously to fund the 2026 Elite Event Funding Program with $3.37 million for 47 events across the county. The money comes from the county’s 6 % Tourist Development Tax on short‑term lodging and is intended to draw visitors, increase hotel occupancy and support local merchants.
How the program works
Visit St. Pete‑Clearwater administers the program, awarding up to $250,000 per event based on projected attendance, tourist draw and promotional value. Grants cover both direct event costs and marketing expenses, ensuring that smaller organizers can afford advertising while larger events can expand their campaigns.
Key approvals
The latest round includes up to $125,000 for the Xinsurance Clearwater Offshore Nationals, a three‑day powerboat race slated for Sept. 25‑27 that is expected to bring 14,375 attendees, including 11,136 tourists. Commissioners approved the request without opposition, reflecting broad consensus that the race will generate hotel bookings, restaurant sales and ancillary tax revenue.
Economic impact
Visit St. Pete‑Clearwater President and CEO Brian Lowack emphasized that the program’s ROI is measured in more than ticket sales. “When you look at this program, the $3.3 million investment will return over a million attendees and 500,000 tourists from outside the destination,” Lowack said. “That doesn’t even consider the hundreds of millions of dollars of economic impact we’re going to get.”
Last year’s funded events attracted more than one million attendees, with half of them classified as tourists—people who live more than 20 miles from the venue. Those visitors stay in local hotels, dine at area restaurants and shop at small businesses, generating additional tourist‑development and sales‑tax revenue.
Accountability and future events
The agency tracks attendance data to evaluate each grant. Events that fail to meet projected numbers risk losing future funding. “Every year we re‑evaluate the most recent event that occurred,” Lowack explained. “If your event was not successful as it was projected to be, it will be dropped from the program.”
Looking ahead, the county hopes to secure larger attractions. The Ocean Race, an around‑the‑world sailing competition, will stop in St. Petersburg in 2027—the only North American stop on the circuit. Lowack credited the Elite Event program as a major factor in bringing the race to Pinellas.
Community benefits
Beyond direct spending, funded events raise Pinellas’ profile as a premier destination. High‑visibility events like Red Bull Cliff Diving, which recently took place on the St. Pete Pier, showcase the county’s waterfront to national and international audiences, encouraging repeat visits and longer stays.
County officials say festivals and events have risen from roughly 5 % to 12 % of visitors’ reasons for coming to Pinellas over the past two years. By investing in a mix of sports, music and cultural gatherings, the commission aims to sustain that growth and strengthen the local economy for families and businesses alike.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
