Former Port Richey mayor's attorney to detail 'circumstances' around arrest

PORT RICHEY, Fla. (FOX 13) - The attorney for the former Port Richey mayor will be holding a news conference at his client’s home.

Dale Massad was arrested in late February after firing shots at Pasco County deputies as they were serving a warrant at his home, officials said. Those deputies were working alongside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The agency charged Massad for practicing medicine without a license at his waterfront home. He was also charged for shooting at officers.

His attorney, Brunvand Wise, scheduled the press conference for 11:30 a.m. Friday. 

“We want to give you the opportunity to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the events that led to his arrest the early morning of February 21, 2019,” according to a statement.

A special meeting was held Thursday evening during the ongoing mayoral mess in the city. However, Port Richey residents had another setback in moving their city council forward. Residents pitched why they should be appointed to an empty council seat, but current council members couldn’t come to a decision.

A seat is open after Massad resigned following his arrest. His vice mayor, Terrence Rowe, became acting mayor, but was also arrested for conspiring against an officer tied to Massad’s investigation. Massad was also charged in the alleged conspiracy.

Residents were visibly frustrated, but city council members plan to meet on Wednesday, and go through the process -- again -- to fill the seat with a temporary member.

That individual will be in office until a special election in June when residents can vote on the next mayor.