Port Richey committee sets May 17 for Centennial Festival, narrows parade-route options; police and fire to be consulted

Port Richey City's Centennial Committee agreed to hold the Centennial Festival on May 17 and began narrowing parade-route options, but stopped short of finalizing a single route pending input from police and fire.

Why it matters: The festival schedule and parade routing determine traffic controls, emergency access and vendor logistics for a multi-day centennial weekend that also includes a mayor's ball and a concert.

What the committee decided: Members agreed to keep the centennial weekend intact and tentatively schedule the Centennial Festival (with family- and pet-friendly activities) on May 17, with festival hours discussed broadly as noon to 9 p.m. Committee members also asked staff to set the parade so it would link to the festival and help draw attendees into the park.

Route discussion and safety concerns: Committee members proposed several routing options: staging at the Walmart parking area and routing down Wilkins Street, along Bay Boulevard and Old Post Road into Waterfront Park; a waterfront loop to bring spectators near restaurants and gathering areas; or staging nearer Brasher Park and using Coons Road for a wider turn. Members repeatedly emphasized the number and types of parade entries (golf carts versus trailers and trailers towing boats) would affect the final route and the level of traffic control required.

Next steps: The committee asked staff to invite the Pasco County Fire Rescue and police captain to the next meeting to review three proposed routes and suggest traffic control plans and any permitting needs (including Florida Department of Transportation requirements where state roads could be affected). The committee instructed staff to open a formal participant registration and to set a clear staging deadline at least a week before the event so planners can size traffic control and staging.

Quotes and logistics: Multiple members urged a route that minimizes cross-19 pedestrian movement and concentrates festival activities on the West Side near Waterfront Park. The committee also discussed using Quist and Berlin streets as overflow staging and placing traffic-control personnel at the Quist/Old Post corner if needed.

Ending: Members agreed to produce three map options for next week's meeting and to notify potential parade participants of staging instructions at least a week before the event so police and fire can advise on permit and staffing needs.