Agenda Item # 9.I.
City Commission Day Meeting 9:00 AM
- Meeting Date:
- 05/11/2026
- Re
- Review and Approval of Management Agreement for the Sunrise Theatre between the City of Fort Pierce and VenuWorks.
- Submitted For:
- Shyanne Harnage
SUBJECT:
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.
Approval of the agreement will authorize execution of the Management Agreement with VenuWorks and facilitate a structured transition to professional management of the facility. 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.
The agreement includes a transition period to allow for coordination, onboarding, and operational readiness. The initial term of the agreement is five (5) years, beginning October 1, aligning with the City’s fiscal year, with options for renewal as outlined in the agreement.
Approval of the agreement will authorize execution of the Management Agreement with VenuWorks and facilitate a structured transition to professional management of the facility. 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.
The agreement includes a transition period to allow for coordination, onboarding, and operational readiness. The initial term of the agreement is five (5) years, beginning October 1, aligning with the City’s fiscal year, with options for renewal as outlined in the agreement.
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
Purchasing
Purchasing
Fiscal Impact
- Budgeted Y/N:
- N
- Fiscal Year:
- 2026
- Amount:
- 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.