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.

April 14, 2021

2021 Municipal Election – Unofficial Results

Congratulations to Tom Kinsella and Todd Maklary, both whom were re-elected to City Council! Special thank you, to candidate Seth Kapp, for your interest and commitment to public service and the City of Port Richey.

The unofficial results provided by the Supervisor of Elections are as follows:

Seth Kapp – 136

Tom Kinsella – 268

Todd Maklary – 252

Please note: The official results will be certified by the Supervisor of Elections later this week.

The swearing in ceremony for the newly re-elected candidates will be held at City Hall on Monday, April 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

April 13, 2021

Meeting Reminder

Due to the Municipal Election, City Council and the CRA Board will be holding their regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 14, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

April 12, 2021April 12, 2021

Don’t Forget to Vote!

The City of Port Richey Municipal Election is tomorrow! The current polling location for City Residents is at City Hall, 6333 Ridge Road. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please be sure to bring your photo and signature identification when going to vote.

April 11, 2021April 11, 2021

Severe Weather Warning

We currently have City Staff assessing damage throughout the City, as well as additional staff on stand by. If any residents come across down trees, large branches, debris, or any large items blocking the roadways. Please contact the Non-Emergency dispatch number at: 727-816-1919.

If you see any down power lines, please DO NOT approach and contact the number above.

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of west central and southwest Florida until 4 PM EDT. The area of showers and thunderstorms is currently moving onshore into the Nature Coast and Tampa Bay area and will continue southeastward across the remainder of our area this afternoon. The potential for damaging winds. large hail, and an isolated tornado/waterspout exists in and close to the watch area. Frequent deadly lightning and localized flooding are also possible. Please stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or your local media outlet for the latest information and be prepared to take shelter if a warning is issued for your area!

April 10, 2021

Last Day to Early Vote 4/12/21

The April 13, 2021, Municipal Election is just a few days away! The last day for early voting will be Monday, April 12, 2021. For more information, or to schedule an appointment to vote early, please contact Sal Licari at 727-816-1907, s.licari@cityofportrichey.com, or Ashlee McDonough at 727-835-1219, a.mcdonough@cityofportrichey.com.

Voter Registration Card and Photo I.D. will be required to cast your ballot.