Committee approves Celtic Ray St. Patrick’s Day permit; staff to confirm hours, insurance and signage

The Punta Gorda Development Review Committee on Jan. 23 recommended approval of event permit 26-00100004 for a Saint Patrick’s Day celebration at Celtic Ray (March 2026), subject to standard conditions including insurance, signage and licensing documentation.

Kevin Doyle, the applicant, told the committee the event will be the same as last year and said he planned to schedule officers on the same basis as before, but noted the number or timing of officer hours may change depending on crowd size and intoxication levels. There was inconsistent phrasing about hours during discussion — comments included '7 a.m. to 7 a.m.' and references to a March 17 start with a '4 a.m. next day' closing — and staff said they will coordinate exact closure and officer schedules with Dave Myers.

Urban Design requested off-premise sign dimensions and locations, a certificate of insurance listing the city as additionally insured, and the alcohol beverage license; staff reiterated that any extension of premises for alcohol must be forwarded to Urban Design. Fire/EMS staffing expectations were described as two firefighters during peak times and an incident commander on shift for later hours.

A committee member moved to recommend approval with conditions; the motion was seconded and carried. Staff will confirm final hours, officer schedules and required documents before final permit issuance.