PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The City of New Port Richey has acquired new land.
A 2.73 acre riverfront property has recently been purchased by the city for $1.1 million. The property neighbors the Sims Park Boat Ramp, a popular venue for boating enthusiasts to launch their vessels on the Cotee River.
Plans for the property’s future are still in the early stages. Those with the city say they hope to gather public feedback on what the community wants to see.
“There’s some really special opportunities where the Cotee River meets US-19,” says Gregory Oravec, City Economic Development Director for the City of New Port Richey. “What I like to say is that we are our best yet and yet our best is yet to come.”
Oravec says there have already been suggestions for expanding the existing boat ramp to the neighboring property. He says they plan to gather public feedback and have a plan for the site by fall.
A proposition that is exciting for those who both work and live in the city, like Connie Beebe.
Beebe has had her sandwich shop, Heros Downtown Subs, for four years. A sort-of passion project of hers and her husband’s. One fueled by what they wanted to see in downtown New Port Richey.
“My husband said, ‘What do we need downtown?’” said Beebe. “He wanted to get out of the corporate world and kind of do something for the community. He went around asking some of the patrons and other businesses and they said a sub shop. So he decided he wanted to open one, so here we are!”
And now, just a block away from them, another project will be taking place. With the city’s recent acquisition of land, known as the Montemayor parcel, Beebe believes it could become more attractive for those with boats.
“As a boater, it would be nice if there was a bigger boat ramp instead of just the two slips,” Beebe said. “I know that during certain times of the day, on the weekends especially, you could be sitting there for 45 minutes to get in or out. So that would be one of the things, hopefully, they would do to make it bigger for everyone.”
What will happen to the newly acquired property remains to be seen as public feedback will be gathered before the city decides on any plans. In the meantime, Beebe says she hopes the city will continue moving in the right direction.
“Continue to help the patrons and business owners that are here and to provide a safe place for kids and adults to be able to walk and not worry about anything.”
So that others may fall in love with the city, too.
The city, Oravec said, had been looking at acquiring the property for the last three years.
