Updated May 2, 2024
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May 1-4
May 5-11
May 12-18
May 19-31
Summer Camps
Community Markets
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
There has been no shortage of pleasant days – a thought that hits home as I resist the temptation to abandon the present task to skip out into the garden where everything is green and blooming and bearing – from Easter lilies to eggplants.
Here in Florida, these are the days to savor and we’ve been doing some of that while introducing visiting friends to favorite spots. We’ve made good use of the Florida State Park Pass trekking north to see the manatees and other re-homed wildlife at Homosassa Springs and made our way south to languish on the sugary sand at Honeymoon Island State Park.
That’s not to underscore the beauty here where Pasco’s estuary coastline provides safe haven for juvenile sealife nurtured among the mangrove roots and oyster beds, protection from storm surges and a natural bounty for those seeking to explore.
PHOTO | MICHELE MILLER
Of special note are some scheduled Paddle for Purpose outings with Pasco Parks & Rec in honor of Mental Health Awareness. Bicycle enthusiasts can take advantage of birding and night rides through Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. Those with an artistic interest might want to sign up for the spoon carving and natural clay workshops and other Parks & Rec offerings.
Kicking off the month is the second annual Monarch Festival which will be held at the NPR Library and Pasco Audubon’s first Saturday birding hike plus Master Gardener programs. Details for all that and more can be found below.
Now get on out there 🙂
May 1-4
Master Gardener Seminar – Your Turf Grass, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at the Hudson Regional Library in Hudson | Free
Turf Grass discussion will include basic types of grass varieties, the care and management of those grasses, and how to deal with some of the basic issues homeowners may encounter.
Master Gardener Seminar – Mosquitos in Florida, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at the Land O’Lakes Library in Land O’Lakes | Free
General awareness, information and prevention will be covered in this presentation.
Pasco Audubon Monthly Hike, 8 a.m. Saturday, May 4 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
West Pasco Audubon hosts this mostly monthly offering – a good time to introduce yourself to this local organization and become familiar with the park that boasts a bluebird trail and other birding activities. Meet at the Education Center for a 1-4 mile walk. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray and wear practical walking shoes.
New Port Richey Monarch Festival, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey
New Port Richey can be a welcoming place indeed for these colorful pollinators. This event, presented by the NPR Environmental Committee, promises to show how to become better acquainted with monarch butterflies in an educational and fun way.
Master Gardener Rain Barrel Workshop, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at the Pasco County Extension in Dade City | $65 includes rain barrel and spigot – register by 4/28/2024
This workshop will explore the benefits of rain water harvesting and tips and tricks for installing a functional rain barrel. Paying participants will receive one (1) rain barrel complete with mesh and spigot ready for installation. You must be a Pasco County resident to attend the workshop. Each barrel is approximately 55 gallons(there may be slight style/size/gallonage variation).
Pasco Parks & Rec Paddle for a Purpose, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, May 4 at Eagle Point Park in New Port Richey | Ages 13 and up | $20.59
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, bring your kayak and take a guided venture along the mangroves and around the gulf waters of Eagle Point Park.
Pasco Parks & Rec Arts Program – Spoon Carving, 12-2 p.m. Saturday. May 4 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 10 & up | $10.30
Use natural resources in the local environment to carve your own spoon to bring home. Carving tools. safety gloves and a guided tutorial are provided. Meet at the Education Center. To access the catalogue to register click here.
May 5-11
Pasco Parks & Rec Arts Program – Clay Workshop, 9 – 11 a.m. Sundays, May 5 – May 26 at two Pasco County Parks | $36.03
Bring the family to this multi-week workshop to learn how to recreate Neolithic Style Native Clay Pottery. The workshops are held weekly starting at Peterson Park in Dade City with the rest held at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey. Participants must register for ALL four classes. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No pets. To access the catalog to register, click here.
Angelus House Annual Picnic, 12-4 p.m. Sunday, May 5 at the Angelus in Hudson
From The Angelus…
This is our way of thanking our community! Eat some awesome food, including BBQ Pork, Hot Dogs, Corn on the Cob, Sides, and more! Come out and enjoy the food + music featuring The Embry Brothers band!
The Angelus provides a 24/7 residential program for non-ambulatory cerebral palsy clients. It is a home for severely handicapped persons who are not able to care for themselves.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Propagation Hike, 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City | $3.09
Meet at the canoe launch and embark on a 1.5-hour hike to learn about native plants in the park and how to propagate them. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and wear suitable hiking shoes. The trail is uneven and not suitable for strollers. No pets. Access the catalog to register here.
Pasco County Parks & Rec Golden Adventures Hike, 9-11 a.m. Thursday, May 9 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 18 & up | $3.09
Embark on a short guided hike in Starkey Park to view and learn about native habitats and flora. It is recommended that participants bring water, bug spray and sunscreen and wear closed-toed shoes. No pets.
Pasco Parks & Rec Bike the Night Away, 7-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 10 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $5.15 (Bring your own bike) | $10:30 (Includes bike rental)
This first-ever guided night bike ride will trek for 14 miles on the paved bike trail to the Suncoast Parkway. There will be various stops along the way to point out and discuss features of the park. For experienced riders who are comfortable with riding long distances. Helmets required. Bring water, bug spray snacks and wear close-toed shoes.
West Pasco Audubon Birding By Bike, 7 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
Load up your bicycle and meet at the Education Center at 7 a.m. for the bike ride through the park. The ride will commence at 8 a.m..
Back County Nature Photography Hike, 7-11 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $10.30
Grab your cameras and go on this naturalist-led hike through the backwoods of Starkey Park. Figure on a 1.5-2 mile hike. Cameras are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bring your own SD card. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray and wear suitable hiking shoes.
Master Gardener Seminar – Lawn Care Made Easy, 9-10 a.m. Saturday, May 11 at Heritage Park in Land O’Lakes | Free
Caring for a lawn is not difficult once you discover the proper fertilization techniques, water requirements, and the cultural care your lawn needs in Florida. Come learn how it should be done from Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Coordinator Jim Moll.
Check out the Stepping Out on the Town calendar below for more local events.
May 12-19
Master Gardener Seminar – Basic Vegetable Gardening, 6-7 p.m. Monday, May 13 at the Regency Park Library in New Port Richey | Free
Growing vegetables in Florida is easier than you think! If you give them the growing conditions they prefer and do a little planning you can grow fresh, nutritious vegetables most of the year in Central Florida. Come learn from Master Gardener Sue Himmler about basic vegetable gardening.
Master Gardener Seminar – Good Bug, Bad Bug, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 15 at the Starkey Ranch Library in Odessa | Free
Learn to identify the good insects, encourage them in your landscape, and control the unwanted bad insects, using an integrated pest management approach.
Pasco County Parks and Rec Foraging Foray Hike, 9-11 a.m. Friday, May 16 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | All ages | $3.09
Participants remark on a naturalist-led, guided hike to learn about the wide array of wild edibles in Starkey Park. This hike is a 1.9-mile loop beginning and ending at the park corral. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and wear suitable hiking shoes. Note – the trail is uneven and is not suitable for strollers. No pets.
OTB | Sunshine Get Down, May 16-18 at the Florida Sand Ranch in Brooksville | $50-175 single-day or multi-day passes
OTB | Sunshine Get Down, May 16-18 at the Florida Sand Ranch in Brooksville. Sunshine Get Down at Florida Sand Music Ranch features 25 bands on two stages over three days. Camping or day passes are available, plus activities like Yoga, Tie-Dye Workshop, and the Name that Grateful Dead Tune Contest.
Pasco Wellness Fest, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Free
Come out for the first-ever Pasco Wellness Fest featuring the reveal of the Sasquatch Mental Wellness Trail, NAMI Pasco Heroes of Hope Awards, DJ, Games, Resources, and more.
Funds raised will stay right here in Pasco County to help those with mental health conditions and/or addiction with support, advocacy, outreach, and education.
Pasco Parks & Rec Guided Kayak Trip, 9-11 a.m., Saturday, May 18 at Robert K. Rees Park in New Port Richey | Ages 13 + | $20.59 – $30.89
Learn about the coast ecosystem and the wildlife that inhabits it during this naturalist-led paddle along Pasco’s gulf coast. Kayaks. life jackets and paddles are available for the $30.89 fee or bring your own.
Kids to Parks Day, 10 a.m. – 12 noon at James E. Grey Preserve in New Port Richey | Free
It’s all about the kids at this annual event that will feature games, crafts and a fun scavenger hunt. Be sure to take a short hike and read a book at the park’s StoryWalk®
Pasco Parks & Rec Pop-Up Hike, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | $3.09
Come out for this naturalist-led hike to learn about the best features of the park during this time of year. For all ages – those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The trail is uneven and unsuitable for strollers. Bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray and wear suitable shoes. No pets. to access the catalog to register, click here.
May 19-31
Master Gardener Seminar – Proper Pruning of Trees & Shrubs, 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 20 at the Centennial Park Library in Holiday | Free
There is a science behind how to properly prune trees, palms and shrubs. Sadly, most plants are poorly pruned, leading to future problems. Learn the techniques of natural or “organic” style of pruning for your trees, palms, and shrubs.
Master Gardener Program – Pollinators in Our Garden, 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 at the New Port Richey Public Library in downtown New Port Richey | Free
This will cover pollinators and plants to include attracting birds, bees & butterflies into our yards and gardens. The discussion will include information to provide an environment best suited to various pollinators and their needs.
Pasco Parks & Rec Tiny Trekers Turtle Craft, 10-11 a.m. Thursday, May 23 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | Ages 1-5 | $5.15
Participants will create an adorable turtle craft while learning about native turtles AND tortoises.
Pasco Parks & Rec Tinkergarten, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25 at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey | ages 1.5-9 with caregiver ages 18 + | $20.50
Features outdoor play classes following the Tinkergarten curriculum. For more info and to register, click here.
The Angelus Music Festival & Food Truck Rally, 12-9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25 at the Angelus in Hudson | $10 per person | $30 per carload
Get ready to groove to some amazing tunes from talented artists while indulging in a variety of mouth-watering dishes from our lineup of food trucks. It’s the perfect way to spend a fun-filled day with friends and family!
Starring: The Black Honkeys
– The Beach Cobras
– George Marshall
– Remedy
– Embry Brothers Band
+ Special Guest Emcee: Charley Belcher!
Festival Style Seating: Bring Blankets & Lawn Chairs (No Coolers allowed)
The Angelus provides a 24/7 residential program for non-ambulatory cerebral palsy clients. It is a home for severely handicapped persons who are not able to care for themselves. For more info, link to The Angelus website here.
Pasco Parks & Rec Paddle for a Purpose, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 25 at Withlacoochie River Park in Dade City | Ages 13 + | $20.59 – $30.89
Bring your kayak or rent one and learn about the freshwater systems of the Withlacoochie River during this naturalist-led paddle in honor of Mental Health Awareness. To register and for more info, access the catalog here.
New Port Richey Concerts in the Park Series featuring “Girl Can’t Help It” Journey Tribute,” 7-8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 25 in Sims Park in downtown New Port Richey | Free
This month’s concert features a nod to the band Journey.
Summer Camps
Community Markets
Tasty Tuesdays Community Market, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. each Tuesday at the New Port Richey Library in downtown New Port Richey
Find locally sourced foods, sustainably grown produce, cottage-industry baked goods and foods, unique, hand-made items and more. Regular items include organic produce, plants, bread, honey, eggs, coffee, skincare, etc. Get to know your growers, ask questions, and learn from their experience.
The market is SNAP shopping friendly, so bring your EBT cards to use up to $40 in SNAP and get an additional $40 in Fresh Access Bucks (F
Community Markets & Events Pop-Up Markets, held on different days/weekends throughout the month at several locations
NPR Fourth Friday, 6-10 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month in downtown New Port Richey
NPR Fourth Friday is a collaboration between 3 market locations and participating downtown businesses.
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