Whoosh! That’s what many of us are thinking as we ready ourselves for the dawning of a new year that has come and gone sooner than expected. Unless you are on the other side of things and more than ready to say “good riddance” to a year that never rose to the celebratory hype or was a tough one. I sympathize. Know the feeling. Got the T-shirt…more than once.
For this little online publication, 2023 proved to be a year of steady growth. We hit over 200,000 total views and look to cap it out at about 209,000 by December 31st. The bi-weekly newsletter is averaging about 30 – 40 new subscribers each month so now we are reaching about 1,380 regular readers who might not be keen to finding us on social media. As to that – What’s What NPR has 3,400 + followers on Meta and another 900 + on Instagram, 674 on Next Door and whatever followers are racking up on Threads.
And after self-financing What’s What New Port Richey since its inception, I am garnering some much needed and much appreciated support from local businesses and individuals who have signed up to advertise/sponsor this grassroots effort.
I’m told they like what they see and are happy to support what I hope to be continuing growth of helping people connect to their community in the coming year. To that end, it’s always good to take stock.
So here’s a look back at some of the stories and photos that have appeared in What’s What NPR during 2023.
Peace,
Now Onward.
January 2023
The life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, was celebrated fittingly in 2023 with a major celebration held in Sims Park featuring gifted speakers, musicians and other entertainers. That was in addition to the traditional annual commemorative march and gathering hosted on MLK Day by the African American Club of Pasco at the historic Booker T. Washington School in Port Richey. The success of the multi-day event led to thoughts of a repeat for 2024. Unfortunately, the local MLK Celebration lost a major sponsor with the sale of the Friendly Kia dealership, and so the 2024 event to be held on January 15, will be back to a smaller scale in a two-steps forward, three-steps back kind of way. The community is welcome to attend what might be a good time to reflect on that and get to work on something fitting held in the heart of our city in 2025.
February 2023
Hot off the press release stories are just that – announcements and that are submitted to What’s What by local government entities and other organizations. This is simply a “cut and paste” endeavor on my part – but also a good way to get the news to you – such as who was named Pasco County Teacher of the Year – as well as news links so readers can explore further.
March 2023
The annual Chasco Fiesta is New Port Richey’s niche signature event drawing thousands to the city over 10 days. I was out and about getting some photos for posterity.
April 2023
Chasco runs into April……
The African American Club of Pasco provides a place for youth to thrive while learning new things through an after-school performing arts program held at the historic Booker T. Washington School in Port Richey. This is just one of many stories about people making a difference in the local community.
A new business model emerges in downtown New Port Richey with Studio NPR, a place that offers space to celebrate special occasions, rent out for a one-day pop-up market, business meeting or cookie-making class and more.
May 2023
There’s a lot of change happening all around us and Pasco County offers residents a way to weigh in on the future through various workshops held in Pasco County. Pasco 2050 is ongoing, so those who want in should keep apprised of new offerings and insights.
A local altruistic group of women combine resources to make a dent in the lives of others. I make a return trip to this story about 100 + Women Pasco which launched in 2022 and continues to do some awesome work in our community.
June 2023
Pop-up markets held in residential communities, business enclaves and area parks offer a way for area entrepreneurs to sell wares and for customers to shop locally in this story featuring Community Markets & Events which is also an ongoing advertiser and sponsor.
In local development – changes coming to US Highway 19
July 2023
Richey Suncoast Theatre announces a new season with a full schedule and hires a new director – that since has changed. Even so, there is a lot happening at the theatre these days – a very good sign.
- What’s What – Pasco County Government | County Commissioner meetings for July | In the news – Elected Leaders worry that new initiative will stimy jobs and economic growth
- Hot Off the Press Release July 2023| County gets new fire chief & libraries director
August 2023
New Port Richey and Pasco County are both leaders in fostering home and urban gardening. This story features the ongoing efforts of NPR FarmNet and the Grand Gardens in downtown NPR followed by another story featuring Pasco County Community Garden programs.
September 2023
New Port Richey Main Street shows they are back in business with a very successful Roaring 1920s Wine Stroll held at local businesses in downtown NPR. What’s What NPR sponsored a water station for this event. Look for more events to come – New Port Richey Main Street’s 1970s themed Taste of NPR is happening in February 2024. We’ll be there with tie-dye on.
- Hot off the Press Release | Idalia Local Updates & Clean-Up | FEMA Assistance
- Education News | PHSC selects new president; Hosts AI Panel Discussion | Free homecoming attire for high school students
October 2023
Punk rockers make a return appearance to Monufest which marks a third year as a local festival and “stop off” event for band appearing at other fests in Gainesville and Sarasota.
The Pasco Fine Arts Center is located off the beaten path and the new director is doing what she can to get people in the doors and spread culture to the surrounding area. That includes an occasional Saturday morning art event for kids, new pottery classes and more.
Cotee River Bike Fest 2023 – In Photos
The downtown gets cordoned off as bikers from all over descend on downtown New Port Richey for this annual event.
A river runs through New Port Richey and what better place to watch or take part in a Halloween paddle? Add to that the annual Trick or Treat event at the NPR Public Library where the entire staff got into it.
November 2023
An exciting opportunity for a local business that’s doing some growing right here in Pasco County.
I had no idea what Suncoast Clinical Research was all about even though I had passed the business hundreds of times. Then I got a call. Turned out to be a good story about the success of a 25-year-old locally-grown business that is making a difference in the broader health field.
December 2023
An occasional Friday Photo picture page is launched. We’ll see how this goes. 🙂
Just a plug here for Mullins Music which offers annual scholarships to students and hosts a pretty awesome summer music camp program. Sign up by December 30 or maybe send a donation if you are so inclined.
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