It is nice to see things starting to return to some semblance of normal. The city has largely survived the global COVID-19 pandemic. With CDC guidance that vaccinated Americans can largely return to pre-pandemic activities without masks, businesses and churches are reopening.
My own church had an indoor service for the first time in over a year this week. Some of the pews were corded off and members encouraged to maintain social distancing and masks if they hadn’t completed their vaccinations. I sat up in the balcony by myself, well maybe with any surviving termites, but that’s a tale for another day. (treatment is ongoing)
One “permanent” change was that the service was broadcast on facebook for those who couldn’t attend. I’m encouraging the powers that be to consider some upgrades to make these online services better.
Restaurants are once again safe places to enjoy. My favorite local restaurants all survived.
We had our first “big” event on Memorial Day Weekend. The Chasco Fiesta Annual Car, Truck & Bike Show returned. The Gulf Side Corvette Club did a superb job putting the show on. There were nearly 300 cars on display and everyone had a great time. The event was held on Railroad Square, Grand Blvd, and surrounding parking lots this year. This location seemed to work better than around the lake.
We will have our first ever Juneteenth celebration in Sims Park on Saturday, July 19th.
Both Keiser University and the city’s new parking garage are nearing completion. Look for them to be finished by the end of the month.
Movies in the Park will be returning on July 10th with The Croods 2.
New Port Richey Main Street, Inc. will be hosting the annual Florida Main Street Conference next month. They were supposed to host it last year, but COVID got in the way. This will be a great opportunity for us to show off our great city.
There will once again be a 4th of July Golf Cart Parade. Maybe more…stay tuned.
If the 4th of July plans don’t come together, look for a big event to celebrate Labor Day. Details will hopefully follow shortly.
The Cotee River Bike Fest will be returning the weekend of October 8-10th.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Christmas parade returning in December and the Chasco Fiesta returning in March.
If you haven’t gotten vaccinated for COVID-19, please do so at your earliest opportunity.