Committee maps out vendor-centered model for future events, eyes amphitheater at Waterfront Park

Members of the City of Port Richey Centennial Events Committee discussed how to transition from an all-volunteer event model to one that uses outside vendors to produce large events while the city provides hosting, permitting and promotion. Committee members said the car show succeeded because an experienced vendor ran the event; they recommended that future events follow that model so the volunteer committee and city staff are not responsible for full event operations. Under the proposed approach, vendors or sponsoring businesses would pay for policing, barricades, trash, and other city services according to a fee schedule and follow an events agreement for requirements (public-safety staffing, trash removal, barricades). Committee members asked staff to develop an events agreement or ordinance that sets those parameters so vendors know upfront what municipal services cost and those costs can be recovered. The committee also discussed longer‑term waterfront improvements tied to future events, including rebranding Waterfront Park as "Centennial Park" (a change the council previously approved for inclusion in a branding and wayfinding plan) and exploring construction of a permanent amphitheater. The chair reported a Teams meeting with a vendor about the amphitheater was scheduled and committee members suggested pursuing corporate donors (the Morgan Auto Group was mentioned as a possible large donor) and grant funding to underwrite design and construction. Members suggested that a dedicated venue would reduce on‑site logistical conflicts and improve audience experience.