Downtown Clearwater has a new brand identity. The Downtown Development Board wants mobile vendors to help bring Cleveland Street to life.

The Downtown Development Board on Monday, July 13, approved a new logo, visual identity and branding platform for downtown Clearwater and began recruiting vendors for the Cleveland Street Mobile Vending Program. Both actions came during the board's regular meeting at the Main Library Council Chambers.

New branding aims to strengthen downtown identity

The branding package, developed by Tallahassee-based marketing firm RB Oppenheim Associates, includes a new downtown Clearwater logo, branded icons for dining, shopping, entertainment and outdoor recreation, social media templates and merchandise concepts. The firm, founded in 1985 by Rick Oppenheim, was previously hired by the city to market downtown and attract investors for the Main Library redevelopment project.

Mobile vending program targets Cleveland Street

The board is seeking mobile vendors for the Cleveland Street Mobile Vending Program, which targets the 400 and 500 blocks of Cleveland Street. The initiative aims to create new experiences along the corridor while expanding opportunities for small operators to participate in downtown events and activations. No application deadline has been announced. Interested vendors can learn more and apply at myclearwater.com/DDB.

The vending push builds on the Cleveland Street Activation Initiative, which ran a First Friday Lunchtime Market pilot from October 2025 through April 2026 to boost weekday foot traffic and support local businesses along the same stretch.

CRA Executive Director Jesus Niño described the broader moment in a February 2026 interview with 83 Degrees Media: "We're experiencing a once-in-a-generation transformation in the downtown with all the activity that's happening."

Board approves funding for August festival

At the same July 13 meeting, the DDB approved a High Impact Event Grant of up to $30,000 for the Mega Asian Food & Music Festival on the Water, a free three-day celebration scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 23, at Coachman Park. Organizers Chris Lee Chittarath and Sira Atchison plan live entertainment, cultural performances, artisan vendors and family-friendly activities.

Coming up downtown

Aug. 21-23: Mega Asian Food & Music Festival on the Water, Coachman Park (free admission).

Ongoing: Cleveland Street Mobile Vending Program accepting applications at myclearwater.com/DDB.