The health and welfare of our citizens is of the utmost priority for the City of New Port Richey. The City has been closely monitoring COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Disease and is taking steps to implement protocols suggested by state and federal agencies. The City’s leaders are working closely with Pasco County Emergency Management, the Florida Department of Health and the CDC to monitor the situation locally.
On September 25, 2020 Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order No. 20-244 which outlines Phase III of reopening Florida’s economy. Restaurants may resume normal operations with limited social distancing.
On May 13, 2020 City Manager Debbie L. Manns signed two Administrative Development Orders which will permit restaurants and retail shops to expand their outdoor seating and display areas in response to the Governor’s Phase I Plan to reopen Florida’s economy. The Administrative Development Orders will provide a path toward improving business operations, while maintaining a priority focus on core safety tenants by allowing parking spaces and other private areas of an establishment’s property to be used by restaurants for additional seating and by retail shops for additional display areas. ADO 2020-CM-01 pertains to Restaurant Recovery – Phase 1 and ADO 2020-CM-02 pertains to retail sales establishments. Businesses are not required to file a development order or permit application for expanded outdoor use, provided that they comply with all conditions enumerated in the Administrative Development Orders. For more information, please contact the Development Department at (727) 853-1047.
On June 30, 2020 City Council conducted an emergency meeting to adopt Ordinance No. 2020-2203 which requires face coverings in indoor public places. For a list of the regulations and exemptions, please read the ordinance here.
On June 23, 2020 Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an Executive Order requiring patrons to wear face coverings inside public places. Businesses may refuse entry if the person fails to comply. There are a limited number of exceptions which are outlined in the Order. This Order goes into effect as of June 25, 2020. Click here for a list of locations offering free masks.
On June 26, 2020 Secretary of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation Halsey Beshears issued Emergency Order 2020-09 which suspends on-site alcohol consumption for bars. Bars may offer alcohol to-go in appropriate sealed containers. Food establishments that have less than 50% gross revenue from alcohol sales may continue to operate.
City Council Meetings/Work Sessions
City Council meetings and work sessions have reopened to the public however there will be a limited number of seats available in accordance with social distancing guidelines. All persons will be required to wear face coverings and will be screened before being allowed to enter the Council Chamber.
City Hall Services
Public access is allowed only to the following departments until further notice:
Billing & Collections – to establish new water service
Development Department – dropping off development plans or picking up permits
Economic Development – grant paperwork may be dropped off through the drive-up window
Paper unemployment forms, tax booklets and forms are available through the drive-up window
***All water payments must be made at the drive-up window or through the payment drop box. ***
Library
Hours:
Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Masks, Occupancy, and Facility Restrictions:
- The Youth and YA collections are now open for browsing.
- Occupancy is limited
- Temperature checks are required for all patrons
- Masks are required to be worn at all times within the facility
- Browsing time is limited to one (1) hour
- Computer use is by appointment only (stations are sanitized after use)
- Meeting room reservations are currently unavailable
- Media donations (books, DVDs, CDs, etc.) are currently suspended
- In-house programming is currently suspended, though outdoor and offsite events can be found on our calendar
- Returned items are quarantined for 72-hours before being made available again for check out
Alternative Options for Social Distancing:
- Library express lockers are available to pick up books and other media
- The book drop is available for no-contact returns
- DVDs and other media may be returned at the drive-thru dropbox
- A personal shopper service is available by request
- Virtual resources including streaming music, television and movies are available for free with a NPRPL card or a virtual eCard
- Those with medical conditions may also contact the library about the Books By Mail services
For more information about your account, or questions about library services and resources, please call (727) 853-1279.
Recreation & Aquatic Center
Beginning October, 5th, the following policies will be in effect at the Recreation and Aquatic Center:
Hours of Operation:
Operating hours will remain the same, Monday to Friday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
However, the fitness center and gymnasiums will be closed from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM daily for disinfecting.
Safety Precautions:
The mask order and temperature checks will continue for entry into the RAC.
Masks are required in the RAC hallways and restrooms but not in the fitness center or gymnasium for individuals doing physical activity.
The early and late access door to fitness will not be utilized at this time so that all patrons can be screened prior to entry.
The fitness center and gymnasium will be disinfected at the end of each day.
Facility Updates:
Reservations are no longer required for use of the fitness center or the gymnasium, but are still required for use of the lap pool on weekdays from 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
Individual pool deck chairs are not available for use, but patrons may use the pool deck tables.
In the Fitness Center, to encourage Social Distancing, leave the Cardio Equipment spaced as it is (i.e. use every other treadmill).
For Lap Swimming, continue with one person per swim lane at this time.
Classes, Leagues, and Programming:
Recreational Classes may return at 100% capacity with Social Distancing. Spectators need to wear a mask.
Outdoor Leagues may return at 100% capacity with no masks.
Indoor Leagues may return at 100% capacity with all Spectators wearing masks. Players, Coaches and Officials do not need to wear a mask.
For Trinity games, spectators will be allowed if wearing a mask.
Child Watch is not available at this time.
Special Events:
The Nov. 3rd elections will utilize the Birch Room, with access only from the North Entry Doors.
Groups of 50 or more are permitted to reserve Peace Hall, Pool Parties, RAC Rooms, and Picnic Shelter. We strongly advise patrons to social distance and wear a mask whenever possible.
Police and Fire Departments
Police Department building reopened to the public on Monday, May 18th. The Fire Stations remain closed to the public until further notice.
All residential rental inspections are suspended until further notice.
City Parks and Facilities
All city playgrounds, park bathrooms, picnic pavilions and the splash pad reopened on June 15, 2020. All other areas in the city parks are open to the public at this time. Picnic pavilions will be open on a first come, first served basis and will be limited to groups of ten people or less. There will be no reservations accepted.
All reservations for Peace Hall are suspended until further notice. Please call (727) 841-4560 for further information.
Public Works Facilities
The Public Works Operation Center, fleet garage, water plant and wastewater treatment plant are closed to the public until further notice. Please call (727) 841-4536 for further information.
Brush/debris pickup will continue at its regular scheduled at this time. For the map of pickup zones, please click here.
As a result of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) there has been a big increase in the number of people using wipes. Even wipes labeled as flushable can clog up the sewer system pumps and cause a backup into your home. Should the clog occur between your home and the City’s pipe, it is the responsibility of the homeowner for the repair. For EPA guidelines on what can safely be flushed down your toilet, click here.
City Boards and Committee Meetings
All City board and committee meetings may resume their normal schedules providing that all members adhere to social distancing guidelines.
All closings/cancellations will be updated accordingly.
For Pasco County information including county services, bus transportation, etc. click here.
Click here for President Trump’s updated Coronavirus guidelines.
Click here for a list of questions and answers from Tampa Bay Water regarding COVID-19 and our water supply.
We encourage all members of the public to:
- Practice good hygiene including washing hands frequently and routine environmental cleaning
- Limit social groups to a total of 10 or less people
- Adhere to social distancing guidelines by remaining at least six feet from others
- Stay home if you are ill
Our community’s health is very important to us. Please check the links below frequently, for the most up-to-date information.