Author: City of Port Richey

Port Richey was incorporated as a municipality in May, 1925. Charles H. Hoffman served as its first mayor. Perhaps the first indication that Port Richey was destined to enjoy a reputation of uniqueness was the fact that the little city was politically ahead of its time. In its first year as a municipality, a woman was elected to the council and chosen to be Vice Mayor. Her name was Susan Clark and she retained her position through four terms. Long before Port Richey was incorporated, however, it was a Mecca for fisherman and trappers. In fact, it was once an industrious Indian community and has been the home and burial ground for two separate Indian tribes. In 1883, Aaron M. Richey arrived from St. Joseph, Missouri and settled near the mouth of the Pithlachascotee, later called Richey Point. Needing a dock to moor his schooner, he purchased a small piece of riverfront property from a member of the pioneer Clark family and immediately named that piece of property Port Richey. After he settled in the area he found that mail was being carried from Brooksville to Anclote by horseback and so he decided to establish a post office, naming it the Port Richey Post Office. He served as the first postmaster and also operated a small general store on Richey Point. As other early settlers arrived, word was gradually spread among the northern states about the mild winter on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The lure of the fish and game abundance in this area spelled paradise to many adventurous northerners. The sparkling gleam of the jumping mullets coupled with the grouper, kings, snappers, and others brought the anxious anglers. Dolphins dancing over the waves in the Gulf of Mexico were a dream come true to many and the catch of a tarpon was the thrill of a lifetime, being mounted on the wall as proof of the proverbial fish story. Today, Port Richey remains internally much as it has always been. With an almost explosive growth taking place over the entire surrounding area, it remains a picturesque port for commercial fishermen teeming with serenity and charm. Typical of the traditional values that still hold sway in this unique town is the pride its citizens take in living here. Port Richey has certainly grown in spite of traditional efforts on the part of many of its citizens to keep it as small as possible. The population of Port Richey in 1935 was only 249. Today, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the estimated population in 2017 is 2,812.

November 24, 2021

Open City Council Seat

Due to resignation, the Port Richey City Council has an open seat position. The City Council will appoint an appropriate citizen. The term will end when the seat is filled by election. Per the City’s charter, a candidate is qualified if they have lived inside the city limits of Port Richey for the past 12 months and are not a convicted felon. The Council will consider nominations for the position at the December 14, 2021, City Council meeting at 7:00 pm. Anyone qualified may request to be considered for the position.

If you are interested in being nominated for the position, please get in touch with the City Clerk at 727.835.1916 or a.mcdonough@cityofportrichey.com for further information and signature. Completed forms must be received by the City Clerk no later than December 10, 2021, at 4:00 pm. Applicants must attend the December 14, 2021, City Council meeting (7:00 pm, City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road) to answer questions from the Council. The decision of the appointment is solely the purview of the Council. Once the Council has selected the appointee, the City Clerk will administer the oath of office. The new City Council member will be seated in the position as a member of the City Council with all rights and responsibilities thereof.

Affidavit Special Council Appointment

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November 23, 2021November 23, 2021

Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection

Have you ever wondered what to do with the old household cleaners under your kitchen sink? Or the pesticides in your garage? Our friends at Pasco County encourage you to properly dispose of all hazardous household waste and unwanted electronics at a drive-up collection event Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey.

Pasco County HHW Collection WCAG

November 22, 2021

Holiday Closure

City Hall will be closed on Thursday, November 25, 2021, and Friday, November 26, 2021, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, November 29, 2021. Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

November 19, 2021

Notice of Passing

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of retired City Council Member and long-time City Resident, Phyllis Grae. Phyllis loved her family, friends and the City of Port Richey. Phyllis was an active member in our community and always willing to provide guidance or help wherever needed. Her kindness, and generosity was unwavering. Besides being a City Council Member, Phyllis sat on several City committees and boards and was an advocate for City employees. At this time, we do not have any information on funeral services. Please keep Phyllis’s family, friends and her City family in your prayers during this difficult time.

November 18, 2021November 18, 2021

Phone System Outage

We are currently experiencing a phone system outage at City Hall. The outage is only affecting Utility Billing, Administration and Development Services. Our IT Department and our service provider are diligently working to resolve the issue. We apologize for any inconvenience.