Port Richey proclaims June 2026 ‘Faith and Family Month’; residents praise the move

Mayor John Eric Hoover read a proclamation at the May meeting of the Port Richey City Council declaring June 2026 as Faith and Family Month, urging residents, businesses and community groups to “recognize and support the importance of faith, family and community” in the city.

The proclamation, delivered by Mayor Hoover, framed faith and family as foundational to community life and invited local organizations and residents to participate in events and service activities during June. After the reading, the council opened the meeting’s public comment period, during which multiple speakers expressed gratitude and support for the declaration.

Pastor Leonard Lord, who gave a public prayer earlier in the meeting, thanked the council and city staff for their service and offered continued support from faith communities. Troy Peterson, identified in remarks as organizing a Fam Fest at Waterfront Park on June 6, said the event and the broader movement supporting the proclamation have received interest from surrounding municipalities and faith leaders.

Robert Goodman of Citizens Defending Freedom told the council the proclamation “means so much” and framed the measure as a community affirmation of shared values. Young residents Marissa Russell and Jessica Russell also spoke in favor of the proclamation, thanking council leaders for advocating in ways they said would support younger families.

The mayor closed public comment by thanking attendees for showing up and reaffirmed the council’s intention to support community events linked to the proclamation. Staff and community organizers noted the Fam Fest and other events as next steps for celebrating the month.