Mayor John Eric Hoover opened the council meeting by addressing the resignation of City Manager Don A. King Jr., effective June 12. The mayor expressed gratitude for King’s service but highlighted ongoing issues that led to his decision to step down. Concerns about King’s communication and management abilities had been noted during a 90-day evaluation on April 28, 2026. The council had offered King a chance to improve, but persistent issues arose, especially regarding a consulting proposal that was initially deemed inappropriate for payment. The mayor disclosed that payment for the proposal was authorized months later without further discussion, which raised questions about communication, accountability, and trust within the city’s leadership. The culmination of these issues prompted King’s resignation.

The mayor reassured residents and businesses that Port Richey remains strong due to its committed leadership and professional staff. He emphasized the city’s achievements, including tax reductions, infrastructure funding, and advancements in public safety, asserting that the leadership transition should not disrupt city operations. He also introduced Sal Carri, the operations manager with 28 years of experience, as the recommended interim city manager. The council swiftly moved to appoint Carri, with the mayor and city attorney tasked with negotiating his contract. Carri accepted the interim position, expressing a desire to keep the city progressing, particularly during the ongoing hurricane season and budget timeline.

Public comments followed, with residents expressing support for the council’s handling of the situation and offering good wishes to the former city manager. Danny Fields, a resident, commended the council’s decision-making, emphasizing teamwork and community growth. Troy Peterson expressed continued prayers for both the council and King, supporting the council’s judgment regarding the resignation. The motion to appoint Carri passed unanimously, with council members offering no additional remarks.

The council then transitioned to planning the “Boom on the Bayou” event, focusing on essential logistics. A significant portion of the discussion centered on transportation and parking solutions for the event. The council reviewed quotes for porta potty rentals and opted for a more cost-effective option of $935 for four ADA-compliant units and a double sink. They also deliberated on the shuttle service, comparing costs between motor coaches and minibuses. Ultimately, they decided on utilizing golf carts for transportation, contingent upon availability, to manage expenses while ensuring adequate parking and transit solutions for attendees.

The event planning also included finalizing an entertainment agreement with a Johnny Cash impersonator, Bill Fornis, for a performance fee of $700. The council agreed to proceed with the arrangement. Discussions on vendor parking and the use of both public and private parking spaces followed, with an emphasis on coordinating with property owners and utilizing signage for clarity. The council demonstrated a collaborative effort to ensure the event’s success, considering entertainment, facilities, and logistics carefully.

In preparation for the event, the council also addressed public works and utilities arrangements. Plans were made to repaint and treat the pavilion area for fire ants, water the grass every other day, and deploy portable lighting solutions for the dog park area. Restroom facilities were discussed, focusing on cleanliness and accessibility, with plans to install hand dryers and manage toilet paper supplies.

The importance of police presence for public safety and traffic control during the event was underscored, with officers scheduled to assist with crowd management. Arrangements for offsite parking were confirmed, and discussions about signage indicating “park at your own risk” took place, with varying opinions on their necessity. Vendor management was also considered, with plans to provide parking passes and create a vendor site plan for the next meeting.

James Saul, a resident, introduced a new initiative involving a low-power FM community radio station. He proposed collaborating with the city to enhance community outreach and offered the station’s services for public awareness campaigns and emergency announcements at no cost. Saul clarified that the station would generate revenue through sponsorship mentions rather than traditional advertising, highlighting affordability for small businesses.