The City of New Port Richey is proud to join cities throughout the Sunshine State participating in Florida City Government Week, a weeklong celebration that raises awareness about the importance of municipal government and its daily impact on residents. The annual event is sponsored by the Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments.

Because local government is the government closest to the people and the one with the most direct daily impact on its residents, it is important that residents understand how their city operates, the services it provides, and the importance of their active involvement. The weeklong event’s theme, “My City: I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It,” will guide this year’s activities.

“Florida City Government Week is important to the City Council because it is such a great opportunity for our residents to learn more about the many services we provide, which will lead to more knowledgeable citizen participation in the future,” said Mayor Rob Marlowe. “We are excited about this year’s activities and hope to engage everyone in our community in our upcoming City events.”

New Port Richey City Government Activities for the week of October 18-22:

• 10/19, 6 p.m.: A public reception in City Hall to include a Q&A with the Mayor and City Council members, opportunities for pictures on the City Council Chambers dais and City Hall selfies using the city background, and New Port Richey swag giveaways.  
• The 10/19 reception will also include the display of student artwork entries from the partnership with Gulf Middle School to create a poster using this year’s theme of My City: I’m Part of It, I’m Proud of It. Top 3 winners will receive a gift card with the overall winner named honorary Mayor of New Port Richey and will bang the gavel at the start of the City Council meeting at 7 p.m.
• 10/20, 5-7 p.m.: The City staff will host a tour of City Hall. Advanced sign-up will be required as the number of tour groups will be limited. The tour will give the public a behind-the-scenes look at life at City Hall. In addition, there will be opportunities to view City fire trucks, public works, and police vehicles up close.
• 10/22, 11 a.m.: Mayor Marlowe will read the children’s municipal book, The City That Talks, at City Hall during the Library’s Rhymes to Readers story time.
• During the week, the City will utilize social media and the website to highlight New Port Richey departments and employees, plus facts, history and trivia about New Port Richey.
• Citizens can find out how to contribute civil service as a City Volunteer throughout the year.

Events are subject to change. For up-to-date information on Florida City Government Week for New Port Richey, go to citynpr.org.