Agenda Item # 11.A.
City Commission Regular Meeting - 5:05 PM
- Meeting Date:
- 04/20/2026
- Re
- Sunrise Theatre Management Agreement
- Submitted For:
- Shyanne Harnage
SUBJECT:
PULLED AT STAFF'S REQUEST. Approval of Management Agreement with VenuWorks of Fort Pierce, LLC for Operation of the Sunrise Theatre
SUMMARY:
Following the City’s competitive solicitation process and subsequent negotiations, staff finalized a management agreement with VenuWorks to assume day-to-day operation of the Sunrise Theatre beginning June 1, 2026. Under the agreement, VenuWorks provides exclusive management services for the facility, including booking and scheduling, marketing and promotion, ticketing, food and beverage operations, staffing, custodial services, routine maintenance, security coordination, and overall event operations.
The agreement establishes an initial term through December 31, 2030, with one optional five-year extension exercisable by the City. The City retains ownership of the facility, approval authority over the annual budget and business plan, and oversight of key operational and financial matters. VenuWorks provides monthly and annual financial reporting, submits annual business plans and operating budgets for City approval, and coordinates regularly with City staff regarding facility performance.
As part of the agreement, VenuWorks receives a base management fee of $7,000 per month, plus a variable management fee equal to 10% of annual gross food and beverage sales. VenuWorks also commits to a $50,000 investment in concession equipment improvements, with all purchased assets becoming City property. In addition, VenuWorks provides a limited annual net operating income guarantee tied to the approved budget, further aligning operator performance with the financial success of the facility.
The agreement establishes an initial term through December 31, 2030, with one optional five-year extension exercisable by the City. The City retains ownership of the facility, approval authority over the annual budget and business plan, and oversight of key operational and financial matters. VenuWorks provides monthly and annual financial reporting, submits annual business plans and operating budgets for City approval, and coordinates regularly with City staff regarding facility performance.
As part of the agreement, VenuWorks receives a base management fee of $7,000 per month, plus a variable management fee equal to 10% of annual gross food and beverage sales. VenuWorks also commits to a $50,000 investment in concession equipment improvements, with all purchased assets becoming City property. In addition, VenuWorks provides a limited annual net operating income guarantee tied to the approved budget, further aligning operator performance with the financial success of the facility.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the Management Agreement between the City of Fort Pierce and VenuWorks of Fort Pierce, LLC for operation of the Sunrise Theatre and authorize execution of the agreement.
ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve the Management Agreement;
Provide direction to staff to renegotiate terms and return for further consideration.
Provide direction to staff to renegotiate terms and return for further consideration.
RESPONSIBLE STAFF:
Richard D. Chess, City Manager
Sara Hedges, City Attorney
Shyanne Harnage, Director of Community and Economic Development
Johnna Morris, Finance Director
Marisa Quijano, Interim Sunrise Theatre Executive Director
Sara Hedges, City Attorney
Shyanne Harnage, Director of Community and Economic Development
Johnna Morris, Finance Director
Marisa Quijano, Interim Sunrise Theatre Executive Director
COORDINATED WITH:
VenuWorks
Fiscal Impact
- Budgeted Y/N:
- N
- Fiscal Year:
- FY 2026
- Account:
- 4064600 531300
OTHER INFORMATION:
The agreement includes a base management fee of $7,000 per month and a variable management fee equal to 10% of annual gross food and beverage sales. The City remains responsible for the approved operating budget for the Sunrise Theatre.