Updated September 9, 2024
Find out some of what’s happening in the city of New Port Richey via media releases submitted by the city government and recent news stories. Readers can also access links to City Council meeting dates and upcoming agendas. Scroll down or jump to you want to go fast using the Quick Search option.
QUICK SEARCH
NPR City Council Meetings
Link to NPR City Council General Info
City of NPR Media Releases
Media Releases
City of New Port Richey’s Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Media Release | September 5, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida – The City of New Port Richey invites you to join together as we continue our promise to never forget the horrific events of September 11, 2001, with our Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Wednesday, September 11th at 7 pm in Sims Park located in downtown New Port Richey.
This 23rd annual event is a special memorial to help our citizens remember and continue healing while building patriotism. The 9/11 Committee works to continue to unite our community and strengthen our commitment to stand strong against terrorism.
This year’s guest speaker will be Jonathan Russell, the nephew of Deputy Commissioner William M.
Feehan who was the highest-ranking New York Firefighter killed on that tragic day. Several local clergy, including Pastor Jerry Hekhuis and Chaplain Marilyn Essert, will help us to see the light of hope from this dark day. Music will be provided for by the Gulf High School Band and a special musical performance by the trio, Friends of Him, will be sharing their voices to uplift our spirits. For those that come early, there will be 9/11 memorabilia and military vehicles on display as well as artwork from local students who share their view of this historical event
The Votes Are In! The City of New Port Richey Celebrates 32 ‘Best of the Best’ Local Businesses
The ‘Best of the Best’ People’s Choice Awards presented by Tampa Bay Times recognizes 32 New Port Richey businesses in 42 categories.
Media Release | September 6, 2024
City of New Port Richey
Local businesses are the bedrock of any local economy, and they help set the tone for a thriving community. The City of New Port Richey – one of Florida’s best walkable, waterfront, historic hometowns – is proud to be home to some of the best local businesses in the world, including 32 businesses which were recently named “Winner” or “Finalist” in 42 individual categories of the 2024 ‘Best of the Best’ People’s Choice Awards presented by Tampa Bay Times.
“Here in New Port Richey, we have certainly witnessed what revitalized and thriving local businesses can do for a downtown, for a city, and for our people,” said Debbie Manns, City Manager. “We are incredibly proud of our local businesses.”
Best of the Best is a vote-based contest produced by Tampa Bay Times, which focuses on and highlights the best businesses, companies, groups, locations, items, and services in the Tampa Bay region. For more information on the contest, please visit TampaBayBestOfTheBest.com/Official-Rules.
“New Port Richey continues to evolve and is quickly becoming a destination that offers many great amenities for the local community and destination visitors alike,” said Kelly Hackman, Owner of The White Heron Tea & Gifts, Winner of Best Tea Room for the fifth year in a row. “The number of businesses that were named ‘Best of the Best’ is a testament to what our community is creating.”
The City of New Port Richey invites the community to a celebration of the ‘Best of the Best’ businesses on Monday, September 9 at 4 p.m. at Richey Suncoast Theatre located at 6237 Grand Boulevard. Networking, food from local restaurants, and an awards presentation are to take place. Plus, there will be a keynote address from Tampa Bay Times CEO & Chairman, Conan Gallaty. The event is first come, first serve, but RSVPs are appreciated – please send RSVP to Jesse Brock at BrockJ@cityofnewportrichey.org.
City of New Port Richey Welcomes Marketing Specialist, Jesse Brock
Media Release | August 29, 2024
City of New Port Richey
On Monday, August 26, 2024, Jesse Brock set foot in City Hall to begin her new role as the City of New Port Richey’s Marketing Specialist. Brock brings with her more than 10 years of marketing experience, specific to the Tampa Bay Area, and she has strong roots to Pasco County. You can reach Brock at brockj@CityofNewPortRichey.org.
Brock grew up in Central Pasco County and was part of the first graduating class of Sunlake High School. Not long after graduating, she began freelance reporting for the Pasco County section of the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times), where she wrote feature stories about those making a positive impact in the community. She fondly remembers the first article she ever published – about a youth choir at a Dade City church who was raising funds to travel and sing at the Vatican in 2011. While the links to these articles no longer exist, she made sure to save the newspaper clippings of each story she reported.
Brock then attended Pasco-Hernando Community College (now Pasco-Hernando State College) at its West Campus in New Port Richey, and its East Campus in Dade City. After she graduated with her Associate of Arts degree, she worked full-time in Zoo Tampa’s Education Department as a Pre-K3 teacher, where she bolstered social and emotional development while fostering a love for animals and conservation in her classroom. Then, she left to pursue and complete her Bachelor’s in Mass Communication at the University of South Florida, with honors, before diving head first into a career in marketing and public relations.
Throughout her career, Brock has worked for several esteemed Tampa Bay Area organizations – to name a few: Busch Gardens, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Wish Farms, and most recently, Film Tampa Bay. And now, she is excited to join the team at the City of New Port Richey. Now a proud resident of New Port Richey herself, this opportunity brings closer the gap between her career and her community.
“We are thrilled to bring Jesse on board,” said Debbie L. Manns, City Manager. “She has the talent and the heart to market New Port Richey, and we can’t wait to see how she communicates all the great things happening in our city on the rise.”
Furthermore, as an advocate for education and lifelong learning, Jesse is also dedicated to earning her Master of Business Administration from USF in December 2025.
New Port Richey to Host Film Festival Honoring
City’s Cinematic Heritage
Media Release | July 23, 2024
New Port Richey Public Library
Marketing & Community Outreach
As New Port Richey approaches its centennial, the city is proud to celebrate its rich cinematic history with the New Port Richey Film Festival. The festival, organized by the New Port Richey Public Library, will take place on Saturday, August 3rd at 4 PM at the historic Richey Suncoast Theatre.
- Event: New Port Richey Film Festival
- Location: Richey Suncoast Theatre
6237 Grand Blvd, New Port Richey - Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024
- Time: 4 – 6 p.m.
In its early years, New Port Richey was once envisioned as the “Hollywood of the East,” attracting film stars and filmmakers alike. In honor of this unique heritage, the New Port Richey Film Festival will showcase our community’s past, present, and future in film.
The festival will feature a diverse array of submissions from local filmmakers, with categories for youth, teens, and adults. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of films, highlighting the creative talents within our community. In addition to contemporary works, the program will also shine a spotlight on classic films by legendary actors Thomas Meighan and Ed Wynn. A historical presentation will delve into New Port Richey’s motion picture past, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city’s storied
connection to the film industry.
The New Port Richey Film Festival is proudly presented in partnership with the City of New Port
Richey’s Cultural Affairs Committee, the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library, and the
New Port Richey Public Library Advisory Board. This event is open to the public at no charge, and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss this special celebration of our city’s cinematic legacy!
City of New Port Richey’s 2024 Fall Citizens Academy
Media Release | July 16, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida – The City of New Port Richey is pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Fall Citizens Academy. The nine-week program provides an in-depth look at how local government is organized as well as how services are funded and delivered. Classes are held weekly on Wednesday nights from 6:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at different locations throughout the city including City Hall, Public Works, the Library, Police Department, the Fire Station, the Recreation & Aquatic Center, and the Wastewater Treatment Facility. The Citizens Academy is open to city residents ages 18 and up however non-residents may apply and be approved at the discretion of the City Manager. The application period for the 2024 Fall Citizens Academy is open now and runs until August 16, 2024. Classes begin on August 28, 2024. For the complete class schedule and to download an application, please visit https://www.cityofnewportrichey.org/city-departments/city-clerk/citizens-academy/.
City of New Port Richey Creates a Flood Risk and Emergency Preparedness Public Information Committee
Media Release | July 3, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida – The City of New Port Richey has created a Flood Risk and Preparedness Public Information Committee with the purpose of offering advisory opinions and recommendations to City Council on best practices for information dissemination regarding flood risk and emergency preparedness. This committee will be in conformance with the Community Rating System Manual, including subsequent editions and amendments, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for administration of the National Flood Insurance Program’s Community Rating System. Perspective members shall include, but be not limited to, floodplain residents, insurance agents that service the city, developers and contractors that operate in the city, environmental organization members, realtors that service the city, emergency responders, and business organizations within the city. Members shall serve a term of either one or two years depending on appointment by City Council. If you are interested in serving on this committee, applications may be downloaded from the City’s website at www.cityofnewportrichey.org/city-departments/boards-committees/ and submitted to City Clerk Judy Meyers at meyersj@cityofnewportrichey.org once complete.
Link to New Port Richey City Council Info
Check out these helpful links to New Port Richey Government to view City Council Members and access the City Council Calendar, Agendas Broadcasts as well as meeting policies on how the public can attend and give input during meetings
City Council Members
City Council Meetings – Calendar & Agendas
City Council Meeting Policies
City Council Broadcasts
In the News
City of New Port Richey Election Results – April 2024
Note the total number of votes counted total – could be better. Below are some helpful links for those looking to exercise their right to vote.
- If you haven’t registered to vote visit www.pascovotes.gov/Voters/About-Registering-to-Vote
- If you want info on municipal elections including the City of New Port Richey – www.pascovotes.gov/Elections/About-Municipal-Elections
- A Voters Guide – www.pascovotes.gov/Voters/Voters-Guide
Sign up to have the What’s What New Port Richey newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.
