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.

July 27, 2021

Meeting Reminder

Due to circumstances beyond our control, tonight’s City Council Meeting will not be live streamed. The meeting will be recorded and uploaded tomorrow. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.

July 17, 2021July 17, 2021

Red Tide Update

A bloom of the red tide organism, Karenia brevis, persists on the Florida Gulf Coast. Over the past week, K. brevis was detected in 107 samples, with bloom concentrations (>100,000 cells/liter) observed in five samples from Pasco County, 25 samples from Pinellas County, 16 samples from Hillsborough County, seven samples from Manatee County, and 15 samples from Sarasota County.

Northwest Florida over the past week, K. brevis was observed at background to medium concentrations in and offshore of Pasco County (in 13 samples). Samples collected offshore of Santa Rosa, Bay, Dixie, and Hernando counties did not contain K. brevis.

The latest Red Tide status updates are also available by phone any time from anywhere in Florida. To hear a recording about red tide conditions throughout the state please call 1-866-300-9399. Callers outside of Florida can dial 727-502-4952. Standard calling charges may apply.

For more information on Red Tide, please visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website at: https://myfwc.com

July 16, 2021

Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer is here and it is hot! During extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness. It is important to know the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illness, and recommended first aid steps.

July 14, 2021

Notice of Passing

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Utility Billing Clerk, Kimberly Hartley.

Kim is a strong, kind, beautiful, free-spirit, her smile could brighten any room. She was a hard-working, dedicated employee, that will be greatly missed. Information on services is unknown at this time. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time.

July 7, 2021

City Hall is Open

City Hall is open and operating regular business hours today. (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)