Heidi Brocks, MPA

Management Analyst

Casey Graham, P.E.

Director of Engineering & Building Services

FY21 Florida Cultural Facilities Grant Application

Issue Statement: The City is applying for the fiscal year 2021 Cultural Facilities Grant from the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs. A resolution is required in support of the submission of a grant application. The grant will provide financial assistance for the construction of the City Park Library/Community Center/Cultural Center. The grant will include costs associated with the construction of the structure such as site preparation, general requirements and construction of the building shell.

Recommended Action: The City Commission adopt a resolution of support for the submission of a grant application for the construction of the City Park Library/Community Center/Cultural Center.

Background: The Florida Department of State through the Division of Cultural Affairs provides funding for the renovation, construction and acquisition of cultural and community facilities. The maximum award per application is $500,000. Staff is recommending the submission of the City Park Cultural Center Project. Grant applications for the Cultural Facilities Grant funding must be submitted to the Florida Department of State by June 1, 2020 with a resolution of support to be submitted within 45 days of submission.

The City applied for a Cultural Facilities Grant in FY 2019 for the potential development of the Omega Church property in the downtown district. The project was not awarded due to lack of funding in the state budget.  At the August 7, 2019, City Commission meeting the direction was given to begin the design of the new Library/Community Center/Cultural Center at the City Park site.  This change in location of the facilities necessitates the preparation and submission of a new grant application.

Adoption of this resolution does not have any immediate financial impact. The grant would be awarded during the next Florida Legislative session in May of 2021 and an agreement would need to be executed to secure the funds. Should the City receive the grant, the grant requires the City contribute a two to one match.   Bond funds would be used to meet these matching requirements.

Staff recommends the City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the proper City Officials to apply for a calendar year 2020 Cultural Facilities Grant.