Port Richey City Council voted to create two purchase orders totaling $50,000 to buy two emergency-response drones, one for the police department and one for the fire department, using a cash-advance provided by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s drone replacement program.

Acting operations manager Sala Carey told the council FDLE requires the equipment to comply with rule 60GG-2.0075 of the Florida Administrative Code and that staff will prepare an executed purchase order so the procurement can proceed immediately once the advance is received. Carey said the financing structure is intended to “wash”—FDLE advances the funds and the city uses them to acquire the aircraft, then the funds are reconciled.

Council moved to approve purchase orders 82627 and 8628 in the amount of $50,000 (two drones at $25,000 each). After no public comment, the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The minutes record the motion as carried.

The council did not specify vendor names in the public discussion; staff said they will return with procurement documentation if required for contract award and compliance with state reporting. The drones will be assigned to the Port Richey Police Department and the Port Richey Fire Department, according to the staff introduction.

Council action: approved two purchase orders (PO 82627 and PO 8628) totaling $50,000 for drone procurement under an FDLE cash-advance program.