March Update

February was busy.  Lots of stuff going on, not the least of which was:

The DART (Downtown Area Roundabout Trolley) went into service.  It runs Thursday – Sunday, starting at the parking garage.  I fully expect to see the DART run more frequently once our second trolley arrives in a few weeks.  The ride is free.  Carolyn and I parked at the garage last Thursday and rode the DART in to the Railroad Square stop (next to the stage door of Richey Theatre).  We had dinner at Boulevard Beef & Ale and then walked over to the Cotee River Creamery for dessert.  A walk across the Swanson parking lot put us at the Sims Park stop and we picked up the shuttle for the ride back to the garage.

We have six candidates running for two seats in the April city council election.  Each of the six would bring their unique perspective to council meetings.  I’ve known most of the candidates for decades, including one I’ve known since he was a teenager.  I’m going to have a hard time picking my top two.  One thing I can tell you is that there is not a turkey among them and whichever two candidates are elected will do a fine job.

IMPORTANT:  The closing date to register for voting in the city election is March 14th.

Things aren’t slowing down for March.

Footers are being poured for the new hotel going in next door to Keiser University.  Look for completion sometime early next year.

The Chasco Fiesta will be coming to town the end of this month for its 100th Anniversary celebration.  I’ve already signed up to volunteer for several shifts and I’ve registered my car for the car and bike show on March 27th.  The car show will be in the downtown, along Grand and intersecting streets, just like last spring.  Different this year will be the location of the carnival.  It will be setup on the old St. Clair Field, at the corner of Grand Blvd and Gulf Drive.  Look for all the details on the Chasco Fiesta website.

Simply Tina will be returning to Sims Park this Saturday evening.  If you are a Tina Turner fan, this is a “must see” event.

Like Strawberries?  You won’t want to miss the Strawberry event in Sims Park this Sunday.  Details are here.

For good measure, Sip celebrated its anniversary with horse drawn carriage rides earlier this week.  Watch for the carriage rides to become a regular thing in downtown New Port Richey in the near future.

 

Rob Marlowe, Mayor