August 1, 2024
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
It’s the slow season, or so they say in these parts. From my vantage, there’s not a lot of chance of the summer doldrums taking root.
What with putting together calendars and stories for this website, getting my endorphin-raising swims, walks, and workouts in, puttering around the garden, and our treks to the beach for our weekly dose of the gulf.
And best of all, hosting our very energetic grandkids for a couple of overnights – a feat that at our age, lends to a two-day recovery period not unlike a hangover. It’s no doubt well worth exhausting our elder selves with epic games of Uno, crafting, making giant bubbles, treks to the Sims Park splash pad and Ottaways Icecream Parlor, reading bedtime stories again and staying up way too late.
Whew.
Add to that – getting out to various establishments to spread some of our fixed-income “wealth” so we can support the local economy.
So, yeah, it’s been a little busy on this homefront.
Even my habitual late afternoon saunter to the Florida room hammock put me on a mission to log time reading for the library’s Summer Reading Challenge rather than lulling off into the afternoon siesta I’ve come to enjoy. Yep, it’s not just for kids – reading challenges or naps. I’m happy for that.
As a former journalist, somewhere along the line, I lost the love of reading – of picking up a book simply for the pleasure of it. It’s been good to revisit the anticipation I experienced back when the librarian stamped your card and “Go read a book” was my mother’s reflexive reply to her children’s whines about summer boredom. It’s a retapped wonder being introduced this summer, to the writings of James McBride – The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store/Deacon King Kong – and other authors who weave wonderful words into phrases that offer escape and respite from the craziness of these modern times. If you’re looking for a new read or a new outlet – because local libraries boast a boatload of programs and activities for all ages – do take a look at the What’s What NPR Library Calendar. There you will find listings of special events happening this month or links to library branches so you can explore on your own.
Downtown is booming.
While the heavy heat tends to keep us hibernating this time of year, there was no sign of that when the old man and I ventured out for a Friday night with friends from parts south of here who were really, really jazzed to get the NPR tour.
Downtown was hopping as we took a stroll down busy Nebraska to Sip on Grand for beverages and charcuterie. After that, we popped into the Hacienda where the very gracious front desk attendant Oscar, offered a brief history of the historic hotel and its famed guests. That evening was capped with a bite at BackDraughts Pizza where the view of our quaint Orange Lake and the yummy White Hibiscus pie is sure to get me coming back. Our friends want in, too.
Stopped by Nebraska again the next night to check out a rather impromptu Block Party I saw posted on social media. It’s just one of several prelude events that will be held leading up to New Port Richey’s Centennial in October. Enjoyed a fine beverage at SteamWorks Pub, and heard from co-owner Tara Fielding that plans for another, bigger block party sponsored by local establishments are in the works.
Look out for details on that and other upcoming events on the NPR Centennial schedule that includes a Film Festival (August 3) at Richey Suncoast Theatre, a Masquerade Ball (sponsors welcome), concerts, and whatever else we find popping up on the What’s What NPR Centennial Calendar
About Railroad Square…..
New Port Richey Main Street’s “Morning on Main” breakfast meeting at Christina’s Restaurant gave some insight into the coming changes to Railroad Square and that time frame has construction commencing soon after the first of 2025.
As outlined by Robert Rivera, the city’s Director of Public Works, the grand scheme will turn Nebraska Ave into a one-way with wider sidewalks, shade canopies, and a proposed green area and event space at the adjacent Cavalier Square.
As always – change, even when good – does not come without growing pains. The overhaul – which includes moving utilities underground – will no doubt be disruptive to downtown businesses, patrons, and residents as it stretches into the busy season. More meetings are planned Rivera said, and locals are encouraged to attend and inquire. To keep apprised and to learn more about the $4.5 million project visit www.cityofnewportrichey.org/railroadsquare. Of note – members of the community are welcome to attend Mornings on Main and the Main Street Mixer events that are held at various local businesses.
Props to the Richey Suncoast Theatre which hosted a very well-attended open house on June 27th for those wanting to know what’s been happening, what is coming soon, and what is hoped to be in the more distant future. Word is about 20 people showed up for this event last year so this was a huge improvement and a testament to the good things happening at the historic theatre.
The current board of directors and staff have done some impressive work in securing grants, updating the theatre, bringing in droves of volunteers, and filling the event schedule with a variety of concerts, movies, and comedy and theatrical shows.
Most recently the musical Firebringer wrapped up the month with tons of laughs and a peek at a small slice of the budded talent that’s been nurtured right here in the New Port Richey area.
There’s more to come. More talent to see. I for one am looking forward to the 2024-2025 theatre season that kicks off with The Sound of Music in September – some of which will be featured at the theatre’s Tommy Awards on August 25. For more info on events, visit www.richeysuncoasttheatre.com.
Photo | Michele Miller
Can’t wait for what’s to come next along with the much anticipated waning temps that just might hit – whenever.
Peace. Now Onward –
M
