Port Richey special events committee finalizes logistics for "Boom on the Bayou," flags parking and security needs

The Port Richey City Special Events Committee on May 21 reviewed final logistics for the June 28 "Boom on the Bayou" fireworks and family festival, focusing on public safety, parking and vendor layout while asking staff to return with firm quotes and a site map for first responders.

Why it matters: The waterfront event draws large crowds and requires coordination with police, fire and utilities. Committee members said they want clear department sign‑offs, defined vendor rules and posted prohibitions (no outside fireworks, no weapons, no large coolers) to reduce liability and keep attendees safe.

Committee planning and timeline Committee members discussed opening the park to attendees in the early evening (vendors and gates 5:30–6:00 p.m., music beginning around 6 p.m., headline music blocks with a DJ leading into an approximately 8:30 p.m. fireworks display). Members emphasized staging so attendees pass vendor rows on approach and recommended limiting duplicate food offerings (for example, one pizza vendor or a single burger vendor) to preserve vendor sales.

Security and operations Member Rosario (Member) cautioned that "parking is going to be a major issue" and urged early coordination with police and first responders to avoid unsafe parking patterns near sidewalks and emergency routes. Chief Rogerio (Chief) told the committee the department will not deploy a full, staffed command post this year; instead officers will be distributed throughout the crowd while the city develops a real‑time crime center and dispatcher monitoring by budgeted phases. "I want my guys out there in the crowds in the parking lots," Chief Rogerio said, adding the department plans drone support and enhanced dispatcher oversight as resources allow.

Parking, shuttles and traffic mitigation Members discussed using private lots and sponsors for overflow parking (Walmart, Whiskey Joe's and nearby lots were mentioned) and explored shuttle or trolley options to reduce congestion; speakers noted a practical challenge: getting attendees to use remote parking and shuttle services. One speaker estimated "over a thousand" attendees in the park alone and recalled prior events where combined site attendance (including nearby businesses and restaurants) approached several thousand; those figures were presented as approximate estimates.

Vendors, amenities and safety measures The committee reported about 21 vendors had signed up, including roughly seven food trucks and several drink and nonfood vendors. Members agreed to cap vendors to avoid saturation, discussed vehicle hookup rules for food trucks (which affect parking), and asked staff to check fire separation requirements. For amenities, the committee asked staff to obtain quotes for four to five handicap‑accessible porta‑potties and one to two wash stations, and to evaluate the cost to rent versus buy large tents or a pavilion.

Sponsorships and outreach Members said sponsorships have contributed funds for past events and that the group currently expects roughly $12,000 in sponsorship revenue to date (an estimate based on past receipts and recent commitments). The committee asked staff to produce yard signs, banners and flyers in addition to social media to broaden outreach, and to include the event's prohibitions (no outside fireworks, no weapons, no alcohol, no large coolers/backpacks) on printed materials.

Next steps The committee directed staff to prepare a site map for first responders, verify lighting/electrical needs, get firm quotes for porta‑potties and tents, confirm vendor hookup and spacing rules with the fire department, and follow up on potential shuttle providers. Members set a follow‑up meeting for the first week of June to finalize logistics. No formal motions or votes were recorded during the May 21 meeting.

What to watch: staff’s follow‑up on porta‑potty and tent quotes, the first responder site map, and whether remote parking/shuttle agreements are secured before the June 28 event.