Please place a discussion item on the City Commission agenda to further explore the discussion item that I placed on the July 6, 2023 Special City Commission meeting on Spring Break, which regarded “March 2024 Spring Break plans including private event programming with a secured perimeter, and associated security measures such as the utilization of metal detectors.”

At the July 6, 2023 City Commission meeting, I agreed to enactment of Resolution 2023-32671, which among other things directed the City Administration to “focus on identifying a quality, transformative, family-friendly event program, within a secured and controlled perimeter, to be potentially implemented as part of the 2025 March Spring Break period, as previously directed by the City Commission.”

I reserved my ability, however, to continue to work toward the goal of locating a private entity willing to put on such an event during Spring Break 2024.

To that end, I have engaged in conversations with a private arts group that is willing to discuss producing an event with a secured perimeter for Spring Break 2024. I have also discussed this concept with City Manager Alina Hudak, Police Chief Wayne Jones, and an outside consultant. My takeaway from those discussions is that the production of an art-centric event with a secured perimeter may be possible and practicable for Spring Break 2024. I would like to share details of my discussions with my colleagues and solicit their input (along with the City Administration) as to facilitating such an event for the upcoming 2024 Spring Break period.