Updated April 10, 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.
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Media Releases
City Council Meetings
In the News
In the News
City of New Port Richey Election Results
Link to news stories produced by area outlets
- New Port Richey creates new zoning category, Suncoast News, April 9, 2024
- New NICE program offers help for a few lucky New Port Richey residents, Suncoast News, April 9 (update)
- Pasco municipal voters pick their community leaders, Tampa Bay Times ($paywall) April 9, 2024
- New Port Richey approves $213,000 redevelopment grant for downtown building, Suncoast News, April 5, 2024
- New Port Richey selects centennial logo, Suncoast News, April 5, 2024
- Meet the New Port Richey City Council candidates, Suncoast News, March 19, 2024
- West Pasco leaders aim for the future working together on projects, Suncoast News, March 19, 2024
- City to bid on Schwettman-adjacent property Suncosat News, March 19, 2024
- New Port Richey city manager gets 5-year contract, Suncoast News, March 15, 2024
- New Port Richey offers a warm welcome, March 5, 2024
Media Releases
City of New Port Richey’s Sims Park Artificial Turf Project
Media Release | March 27
City of New Port Richey
The City of New Port Richey is excited to announce the start of the Sims Park Artificial Turf Project, commencing on April 1st. During this time, the circular area in front of the amphitheater and a portion of the north parking lot will be closed for approximately three weeks for resurfacing.
This project, utilizing FieldTurf technology, aims to enhance the park’s aesthetics and functionality. The new surface features structured, multi-colored blades for a realistic look and a soft feel, closely resembling natural grass. Additionally, the FieldTurf’s MaxxFlow drainage system ensures superior water drainage, providing six to ten times more drainage per hour than other products. The turf’s durability, with structured grass blades and 100% polyethylene material, guarantees a long-lasting and resilient surface.
The City understands the inconvenience this temporary closure may cause and appreciates your cooperation during this important improvement project. Upon completion, the circle and parking lot will reopen for public use. For more information, please contact the City of New Port Richey Public Works Department at (727) 841-4536.
City Clerk Judy Meyers Honored with 2024 Home Rule Hero Award
Media Release | March 20, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida – The City of New Port Richey is proud to announce that the Florida League of Cities (FLC), the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently recognized City Clerk Judy Meyers with a 2024 Home Rule Hero Award. City Clerk Meyers earned this prestigious award for her tireless effort throughout the 2024 Florida Legislative Session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the Home Rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the League’s legislative agenda.
Home Rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials, both elected and nonelected, who consistently responded to the League’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue. “The dedication and effort of these local officials who tirelessly advocated for local decision-making was a difference-maker this legislative session,” said FLC Chief of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “On behalf of the League and its legislative team, we’re proud to recognize each of them and thank them for their service.”
City Clerk Meyers stated, “I am honored to be recognized once again for advocating on behalf of our residents the importance of Home Rule. I have always believed that decisions that directly affect our residents should be made by our local leaders.” This is the third time that City Clerk Meyers has received this award. City Clerk Meyers will receive her award at an upcoming meeting of the Suncoast League of Cities.
Absentee Voting is Open for Municipal Election for the City of New Port Richey
Media Release | March 4, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey city residents who wish to participate in the upcoming municipal election but will not be in the city to vote on Election Day, April 9, 2024, may vote by absentee ballot at the City Clerk’s Office, Second Floor, City Hall, 5919 Main Street, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday until April 8, 2024, except Friday, March 29, 2024, as all City offices are closed for Good Friday.
Voters must reside within the corporate limits of New Port Richey and must bring proof of residency. The City of New Port Richey municipal candidate slate for the April 2024 election is as follows:
- Bertell Butler, IV
- Lewis Curtwright
- Dell deChant
- Tom O’Neill
- Matt Murphy
The New Port Richey Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren Street, New Port Richey. Voters must reside within the corporate limits of New Port Richey and must bring proof of residency. Election results will be posted.
Little Free Library opens at the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center
Media Release | February 26, 2024
New Port Richey Public Library
The community of New Port Richey celebrated a significant milestone in promoting literacy and community engagement with the grand opening of a new Little Free Library at the Recreation & Aquatic Center. This collaborative effort between the Library and Recreation Center aims to provide easy access to books and other educational resources for people of all ages.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place on February 6, 2024, was attended by several notable
guests, including Mayor Chopper Davis, Library Director Andrea Figart, Library Advisory Board Vice-Chair Nicholas Pacini, and Andre Julien, the Director of the New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center. The guest of honor, however, was 8-year-old McKenna.
McKenna, who serves as an Ambassador for the New Port Richey Public Library, helped spearhead this collaborative project. She has been collecting donated children’s books for little libraries around the city for nearly a year now, earning a following and recognition from City Hall along the way. With her family, friends, and neighbors in attendance, McKenna unveiled the new Little Free Library, donating a collection of picture books and youth fiction to kickstart the project.
The location of this newest Little Free Library underscores the partnership between New Port
Richey’s Public Library and Recreation Center. Together, they share a vision of creating inclusive spaces where community members can come together to learn, connect, and grow.
“We are thrilled to introduce this Little Free Library as a resource for our community members
to access books,” said Andrea Figart. “This initiative embodies our commitment to promoting
literacy and fostering a sense of community engagement.”
This Little Free Library (Charter #162013) marks the fourth such initiative sponsored by the New Port Richey Public Library. The idea was originally introduced by the Library Advisory Board, with the Friends of the New Port Richey Public Library co-sponsoring the project. The libraries, which were built by volunteers Hal Macallus, Graham Brewin, and Richard Knoop, are located at Jasmin Park (Charter #162010), the James E. Grey Preserve (Charter #162011), and the Cotee River Park (Charter #162012).
The New Port Richey Public Library invites members of our community to take or leave a book
at any of these locations. You can learn more by downloading the Little Free Library app or by
visiting littlefreelibrary.org. Visit the New Port Richey Public Library online at www.nprlibrary.org or in person at 5939 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652.
For more information, please contact:
James E. Grey Preserve Park Closure for Shell Drive Replacement Project
Press Release | February 26, 2024
City of NPR Dept. of Public Works
New Port Richey, Florida – Weather permitting, the City of New Port Richey will begin work on
the James E. Grey Preserve Shell Drive Replacement Project on Saturday, March 2, 2024. As
part of the project, the James E. Grey Preserve Park will be closed to the public beginning
Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 7:00 A.M. and will re-open on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 7:00 A.M.
Road work inside the park will take place the week of March 4th however the park will be open to
visitors. The City will take all measures to minimize impact and inconvenience for residents and
visitors coming to the park. For more information on this project, please contact our Public Works
Department at (727) 841-4464.
Candidates Announced for Municipal Elections in April 2024
Media Release | February 21, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida – The City of New Port Richey announces the candidate slate for the 2024 Municipal Election. The following candidates are qualified for New Port Richey’s open council seats:
- Bertell Butler, IV
- Lewis Curtwright
- Dell deChant
- Matt Murphy
- Tom O’Neill
The New Port Richey Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 7 am to 7 pm at the Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren Street, New Port Richey. Voters must reside within the corporate limits of New Port Richey and must bring proof of residency. Election results will be posted.
Road Closure for Main Street Entryway Sign Installation
Media Release | February 16, 2024
City of New Port Richey | Dept. of Public Works
New Port Richey, Florida | Weather permitting, the City of New Port Richey will begin work on
the installation of the Main Street Entryway Sign on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
As part of the project, Main Street will be closed to all traffic from U.S Highway 19 to Acorn Street. Main Street from Acorn Street to River Road will be open to local traffic only. A detour will be in place
beginning at 8:00 PM until 6:00 AM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. Travelers should expect
delays during this time. Please refer to the map below for individual impacts. The City will take all
measures to minimize impact and inconvenience for residents and visitors in and around the
affected area. For more information on this project, please contact our Public Works Department
at (727) 841-4538.
City of New Port Richey’s 2024 Spring Citizens Academy
Media Release | January 22, 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 Spring 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, the Police Department, 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 Spring Citizens Academy is open now and runs until February 9, 2024. Classes begin on March 6, 2024. For the complete class schedule and to download an application, please visit www.cityofnewportrichey.org/city-departments/city-clerk/citizens-academy/.
Two Spots Open For City Council – Elections to be Held in April 2024
Media Release | January 17, 2024
City of New Port Richey
New Port Richey, Florida – The 2024 Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
All registered voters of the City of New Port Richey will have the opportunity to elect two people
to serve as City Council Members. The City Council Members shall be elected for a term of three
(3) years. The annual salary is $7,500.
Candidates for this municipal elective office must be duly registered voters and residents within
the corporate limits of the City of New Port Richey for at least six months prior to the election.
Qualifying begins on February 13, 2024, at noon and ends on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at
noon. No qualifying documents will be accepted after that time. Persons wishing to run for office
may download their qualifying documents from the City’s website at www.cityofnewportrichey.org
or may pick hard copies at the City Clerk’s Office, Second Floor, City Hall, 5919 Main Street, New
Port Richey Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Persons desiring more information about qualifying or filing to run for City Council should contact
City Clerk Judy Meyers at 727-853-1021.
City Council Meetings
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
Advertiser and Sponsorship Information
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