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City douses Main Street's fall parade

Commissioners say they worry about the group's future and think a business plan is needed to proceed.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published March 30, 2006

LARGO - For the first time in five years, the City Commission decided last week not to fund Downtown Largo Main Street's fall parade, indicating that some city leaders have lost confidence in the organization's ability to run events or even stay afloat.

In addition to cosponsoring the Celebrate the Seasons parade, the organization had asked if the city could waive park rental and police costs, which were about $4,765 last year.

But a few commissioners said last year's parade was lackluster, and they didn't want the city to dip into resources until the organization could prove itself worthy again.

They said Main Street has struggled with a lack of focus in recent months. The nonprofit hasn't replaced its full-time manager since Terry Moore left two years ago to work for the city as the special events coordinator.

"If the last (parade) was any example, I don't think they're ready to do it, and it would be unfair to put them in a position to take on something like that when they do not have the manpower and do not have the organizational expertise to carry it out and carry it out well," said Commissioner Gay Gentry at the March 21 commission meeting.

Main Street president Charles Graul said the commission's decision was unfair because the group was not informed that the matter would be taken up at that meeting and therefore was unable to defend its position.

"If I had known, and if I couldn't make it, somebody in our group would have got up and spoken on our behalf. Not knowing this, it was difficult to defend," he said.

Graul maintained that the event, which had 10,000 spectators in 2004, was just as successful last year.

Several commissioners said if Main Street can't put on a parade, the city should put on one itself and let the group participate.

But Graul doesn't like that idea.

"They would rather put on the parade, and we could have a float. That's totally contrary to what we're doing," Graul said. "We try to have events to make people aware of downtown Largo, and we're getting down and doing things with the businessmen in that corridor and having fun. They obviously don't see what we do."

Commissioner Mary Gray Black defended the organization but eventually voted with the staff's decision to deny Main Street cosponsorship. However, the commission voted to support all seven other events that applied for funding.

In December, Main Street asked the city to waive $19,000 in special event fees and fund an association manager for $40,000. City officials said the group needed to present a formal business plan before they could allocate city funds.

"I feel right now we need to let them get their act together and come out with their (business) plan before we continually feed them money," said Commissioner Andy Guyette.

But Graul said he would not comment on the status of a business plan or even the future of the organization until group leaders meet next week.

Main Street member and downtown merchant Mike Martinez said the city should back the organization because it promotes businesses like his while the city doesn't.

"(City leaders) should support Main Street because they're not doing anything for us," Martinez said.

Lorri Helfand can be reached at 445-4155 or at lorri@sptimes.com

FOUNDED: 1998

MEMBERS: 85 to 90 individuals and businesses

MEMBERSHIP COST: $15 for individuals and $30 for businesses.

MISSION: To promote businesses in the downtown area and foster communication between downtown merchants, residents and Largo government.

EVENTS: The nonprofit group organizes several events a year, including the annual Celebrate the Season Festival and Parade, Fifth Friday Concerts and Farmers Market and Crafts show.

[Last modified March 30, 2006, 06:22:22]