Submitted By: Emily Parkman
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Presentation By: Cultural Arts Supervisor, Emily Parkman
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Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve Nehyssa Turenne Grant Application for $3,000 for her LEAP Through Dance program
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BACKGROUND:
Nehyssa Turenne is a local competitive dancer, current Miss Northeast Florida Teen, Third Runner Up at Miss Florida Teen 2025, and performing arts accessibility advocate. Nehyssa is committed to providing accessible dance programming to Marion County youth. Nehyssa created LEAP (Launching Equal Access to the Performing Arts) as a community initiative to offer free dance workshops and mentorship opportunities to children struggling with accessibility or intellectual disability.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Ocala Cultural Arts received the OMAC grant application for Nehyssa Turenne’s LEAP Through Dance program requesting $3,000 on July 23, 2025. Old grant application form with proposal and budget breakdown of $3,000 funding request for choreography fees, dance costumes, dance shoes and gear, competition entry fees, studio rehearsal rental and coaching, and community dance outreach marketing materials and other supplies. No other funding sources listed. The applicant has not received an OMAC grant in the last 12 months or ever. Staff missing the following information:
• Timeline of program
• Clarification of budget expenses to identify eligibility
• Budget difference of $2,000 dance-focused only budget versus full $3,000 budget breakdown
• Location of workshops, program, dance competitions, conventions, pageants funded by grant
• Confirmation of program continuation without full grant funding
This information will assist staff to investigate eligibility for the grant program including permitted allowable expenditures pursuant to Sec. 320.08058 Florida Statutes in order to recommend for approval.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny