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Council backs cultural events and waives Chasco Fiesta fees; approves limited special-events budget
Summary
Council approved funding requests for Juneteenth ($4,500) and Viva Cavalier ($3,000), authorized beer and wine sales at three spring concert dates, waived outstanding Chasco Fiesta 2025 fees, and approved an $80,000 in-kind special-events allocation with specific amounts for Chasco, parade, bike fest and holiday parade.
Council acted on multiple event-related items, approving Cultural Affairs Committee recommendations and addressing outstanding invoices for Chasco Fiesta 2025.
The council fully funded a Juneteenth event "Boots on the Ground" at $4,500 and approved $3,000 for Viva Cavalier, an event celebrating Hispanic and Latino heritage to be held in Cavalier Square. Both requests were supported by committee recommendations and by staff as budget-neutral to the council's culture affairs allocation.
Council also authorized the New Port Richey Main Street organization to sell beer and wine at three spring concert-series dates in Sims Park, contingent on submission of required liquor liability insurance and event logistics; members discussed the need for police presence during alcohol sales.
On Chasco Fiesta 2025, council voted unanimously to waive the remaining outstanding fees identified in staff invoices, noting the city has been working with the organization and that the decision aligns with broader discussions on event funding. Separately, council approved staff's recommended in-kind and direct-support allocations for FY25-26 events, totaling $80,000, with specific line items proposed for Chasco Fiesta, Chasco Street Parade, Cody River Bike Fest and the Holiday Street Parade. Councilmembers asked that staff bring a broader policy conversation about sustainable event funding into the next budget cycle.
Staff will follow up with implementation details, insurance checks for alcohol sales and an after-action review of event funding and management.
