The meeting saw a discussion on a proposal for a community art initiative, which aimed to involve local artists in creating a large mural, potentially as a volunteer effort. The initiative could be structured as a contest, with artists submitting proposals and, if selected, receiving supplies from the city to complete their projects. This approach not only aims to beautify public spaces but also to involve the community in cultural activities.

Alongside the art initiative, the council explored the feasibility of organizing a back-to-school drive, specifically targeting Port Richey residents. The proposed initiative would see the city sponsoring a backpack and school supply giveaway, focusing on collecting supplies throughout July for distribution in early August. Given the proximity to the start of the school year on August 11th, there was a sense of urgency to finalize logistics. The proposal included a registration process limiting participation to the first 20 families, emphasizing the need for timely organization and community outreach.

Concerns about potentially overlapping with existing initiatives led to discussions about collaborating with local churches, which also run similar drives but serve a broader community. The complexities of combining efforts, while respecting the separation of church and state, were considered. Suggestions were made to involve police and fire department personnel in the event to foster positive community relations.

The meeting also addressed the need for improved communication and information dissemination to residents. A proposal to create a “Port Richey resident packet” was discussed, aiming to provide new residents with essential information about city services, particularly when signing up for water services. This initiative seeks to educate residents about available services, such as garbage collection and code enforcement, to prevent minor issues from escalating to council-level concerns.

Council members emphasized the importance of distributing informative pamphlets, akin to hurricane preparedness materials, to bridge the gap in residents’ knowledge about city operations. A suggestion to use utility bills to distribute inserts with a QR code linking to the city website was made, intending to cater to both tech-savvy and traditional residents. The council acknowledged ongoing efforts to digitize information and maintain an updated, accessible city website.

The meeting briefly touched on additional community events, such as a proposed car show following the success of a similar event during the city’s centennial celebrations. Plans for hosting two car shows annually, potentially incorporating a “trunk or treat” event for families, were discussed. Coordination with other local events, like those in Newport Richey, was seen as important to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Furthermore, the council considered organizing a veterans’ luncheon on November 11, 2025, to honor local veterans with a free meal, potentially sponsored by local businesses. This initiative aims to express gratitude for veterans’ service, complementing existing restaurant offers around Veterans Day.

Participants expressed the importance of creating a mission statement and providing contact details for residents to engage with the CAC. It was noted that public interest in meetings tends to rise during crises.