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Port Richey event committee finalizes sponsorship tiers and outlines March seafood festival
Summary
Port Richey City’s Events Committee approved sponsorship levels and sketched plans for a March 14 seafood festival, endorsing a single-day event with vendors, a kids zone, a fishing tournament and delegated subcommittees for kite-surfing and a poker run. The panel also discussed parking, permits and state park reporting requirements.
Port Richey City’s Events Committee moved forward on planning for a seafood festival and voted to adopt a set of sponsorship levels at its meeting.
Chairman John Eric Hoover opened the committee discussion by proposing a one-day festival model for March 14, with supplementary activities — including a fishing tournament, a non-gambling “poker run” organized by Patty Durmer and a kite-surfing meet that would depend on weather — handled by volunteer organizers and subcommittees. “I think starting one day is especially since we’re right up against the deadline. Let’s focus on that,” the chair said as the committee settled on a single-day plan with room to expand in future years.
Committee members agreed to focus on family-friendly programming. Proposed attractions include a kids zone with inflatables and carnival-style vendors, an art contest for schoolchildren, rotating bands or a DJ, and vendor booths coordinated with the local chamber of commerce. Members volunteered to reach out to potential vendors and entertainers and suggested using SignUp Genius to coordinate volunteer shifts.
The committee discussed logistics and regulatory constraints. Members identified parking needs and asked Public Works to assess whether the cleared lot on State Road 19 and a grass area near the dog park could provide extra capacity, while also flagging a need to confirm whether parking on grass would run afoul of state environmental or permit rules. A staff member reminded the committee Waterfront Park is subject to oversight by the Florida Communities Trust (a state program), and the city must report revenue generated by events to that trustee per trust covenants.
On funding and sponsorship, the committee reviewed a sponsorship packet adapted from past events and debated price tiers for this first-year festival. After discussion, a member moved to adopt a tiered sponsorship structure and the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The sponsorship levels the committee adopted were: Presenting sponsor — $10,000; Patriot — $5,000; Stars & Stripes — $2,500; Business Booster — $500; Sparkler — $250. Members discussed category exclusivity for higher tiers and plans to target prior large sponsors, including local auto groups and marine businesses.
The committee delegated several tasks ahead of a follow-up meeting, including finalizing the sponsorship packet, confirming band bookings and producing promotional materials. Members set a target date for the next planning meeting on January 20 at 6 p.m. and asked staff to circulate vendor and entertainment options in advance.
The committee also discussed coordination with the chamber to manage vendors (the chamber has policies that can provide insurance coverage for vendors without a certificate of insurance) and noted the need for any event revenue reporting required by the Florida Communities Trust. The meeting closed after routine business; members exchanged logistical next steps for outreach and marketing.
