While pledging $35,000 to help stage the African American Heritage Celebration, commissioners seek to avoid last year's budget problems.
By MICHAEL SANDLER
Published November 28, 2003
CLEARWATER - Since its inception nearly four years ago, the Florida African American Heritage Celebration has relied on support from the Pinellas County Commission.
With a limited number of sponsors for next year's event trickling in, the County Commission has come through again.
But commissioners are setting some limits for the 2004 event. They are hoping to avoid a year like the past one, when the county ended up with thousands of dollars in unpaid bills from the event.
This month, commissioners authorized up to $35,000 for the Feb. 28 event at Pinewood Cultural Park. They also want to review all contracts associated with the festival.
So far, festival organizers project being able to raise about $85,000 from sponsors. But with total operational expenses estimated at $119,000, they anticipate a shortfall without the county's help.
The festival began in 2000 as a neighborhood-style event at Heritage Village with about 1,200 people attending. It has grown, attracting approximately 8,000 people last year.
"I expected to have more sponsors," festival organizer Randy Lightfoot said. "We are still in the act of getting sponsors. I think as far as the county is concerned, it's kind of like our safety net."
Pinellas County has helped finance the event during its first three years.
In 2003, the county had only expected to supply in-kind donations, such as land and staff.
"We thought they were ready to fly on their own," County Chairwoman Karen Seel said.
But when it was over, the county ended up with a stack of unpaid bills.
Festival organizers had hired a booking agent to arrange entertainment and subsequently exceeded their budget. The county received calls from entertainers who had not been paid.
"It's very easy to get complacent if you have somebody backing you," Seel said.
The county paid the bills, an estimated $50,000, Seel said.
"It was a difficult situation for us, and we know for them, because we had never experienced anything like that," Lightfoot said. "We always stayed under budget, and we will this year, too."
The commission agreed to help up front, but with a limited amount of money. Festival organizers agreed to let Jan Luth, the director of Heritage Village, review the contracts.
Commissioners understand the tough economy has contributed to the low turnout among sponsors.
So far, sponsors for next year's event include the St. Petersburg Times, Taco Bell and Publix.
Lightfoot appreciates the county's commitment to the celebration.
"We can't really do it without the county's support," Lightfoot said. "They have been an integral part."
