Good morning, New Port Richey! It is Friday, October 23, and the forecast is mostly sunny with a high of 80 and a low of 61, with the weekend staying in the low 80s and no rain in sight. It is also National Horror Movie Day, a fitting one with Halloween events filling the calendar around town. So tell us, what is the scariest movie you have ever watched?

In the news, the City of Port Richey has launched a new online payment portal for water and utility bills, and Pasco County reports its best year yet for the Two Good Soles socks and shoes drive. The Greater Pasco Chamber is looking for businesses for its PEP Holiday Market in Downtown New Port Richey, and the county has a reminder about the crosswalk law. In school news, River Ridge and Sunlake volleyball advance to the regional semifinals on Saturday, and two Seven Springs Middle staff members were recognized for helping save a life.

This weekend, take a hay ride at Oktoberfest at Canterbury Farms, browse the Haunted Harvest Market, or dance at the Monster Mash Halloween Dance. The ScovilleStrong Foundation Fall Festival, the District 5 marching band assessment at River Ridge and Sunday's charity golf tournament at Timber Greens round out the lineup, with live music and food trucks like The Nacho Wagon and Smash and Grab along the way. Pack the sunscreen and your best costume, and we will see you out there!

Port Richey Launches New Online Water and Utility Bill Payment Portal
City of Port Richey
The City of Port Richey has launched a new online payment system for water bills and other utility payments, which it describes as an upgraded payment portal. The city posted it as an important notice, so check its Facebook post for details on how the new system works.
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Pasco Reports Best Year Yet for Two Good Soles Drive
Pasco County Government (FB Page)
Pasco County says this was its best year yet for donations to the Two Good Soles drive, which collects socks and shoes for students. The county thanked donors and shared a video showing how many students' lives will be changed by the gifts.
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Pasco County Fire Rescue Is Recruiting Firefighters
Pasco County Fire Rescue
Pasco County Fire Rescue is recruiting with a Halloween twist, joking that even ghosts want to be firefighters. The department's post says anyone interested in joining the PCFR team can apply at mypas.co/JoinPCFR, and adds that nothing is scary here unless you are afraid of missing your next career opportunity.
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Greater Pasco Chamber Plans PEP Holiday Market in Downtown New Port Richey
Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce says its PEP Holiday Market is coming to Downtown New Port Richey. The chamber is looking for local businesses ready to be part of the market, so check its Facebook post for details.
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Florida Law Requires Drivers to Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalks
Pasco County Government (FB Page)
Pasco County is reminding drivers that Florida law requires them to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Ignoring the rule puts lives at risk and can also bring a $164 fine, the county says.
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Pasco Sheriff's Office Works With SafetyNet Tracking to Recover Lost Individuals
Pasco County Sheriff's Office (FB Page)
The Pasco Sheriff's Office says it works with SafetyNet Tracking Systems to help recover lost individuals with Autism, Alzheimer's, Dementia and similar cognitive conditions. Check the Sheriff's Office Facebook post for how the tracking system is used.
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Two Seven Springs Middle Staff Members Recognized for Helping Save a Life
Seven Springs Middle School (FB Page)
Two staff members at Seven Springs Middle School were recognized at a recent school board meeting for helping save a life by quickly jumping into action. The school shared the news on its Facebook page, so check the post for the full story.
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Wendell Krinn Tech Celebrates First Girls Weightlifting Meet
Wendell Krinn Technical HS (FB Page)
Wendell Krinn Technical High School is celebrating its first-ever girls weightlifting team after a great first meet. The school says most of the team's members placed in the top four in their weight categories.
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River Ridge and Sunlake Volleyball Advance to Regional Semifinals October 24
Pasco County Schools
River Ridge and Sunlake high schools have advanced to the regional semifinals in volleyball, Pasco County Schools says, with the matches set for Saturday, October 24. River Ridge's own post says its girls team got there by beating Weeki Wachee High School 3-0.
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KTech Hosts I'm Not a Lab Rat Day on Vaping and Smoking
Wendell Krinn Technical HS (FB Page)
Wendell Krinn Technical High School, known as KTech, held an I'm Not a Lab Rat day to educate students on the dangers of vaping and smoking. The school shared the day on its Facebook page.
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Baby Sign Language at Tarpon Springs Public Library
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Tarpon Springs Public Library
138 E Lemon St, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
A baby sign language program for children from birth to age 3, presented with the Deaf Literacy Center of the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative. Registration is required at the Youth Services desk or by calling (727) 943-4922.
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October Tour of France at Water's Edge
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 7 PM
Water's Edge
9019 Creedmoor Ln, New Port Richey, FL 34654
The monthly Tour of France meeting, held the fourth Friday of each month, features a tasting of five French wines with classic pairings. And yes, there will be Bordeaux.
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Oktoberfest at Canterbury Farms
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | Starts at 7 AM
Monarch Manor at Canterbury Farms
14543 Hays Rd, Hudson, FL 34669
A day of fall fun at Canterbury Farms Nursery with local craft and food vendors, live music, hay rides and special plant sales. There is no admission fee. The listing gives more than one closing time, so confirm hours with the nursery before you go.
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Haunted Harvest Market, Trinity Crafters Market
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Hampton Inn - Odessa-Trinity
11780 FL-54, Odessa, FL 33556
A Halloween-themed indoor market with local makers, crafters, artisans and small businesses offering seasonal décor, treats, gifts and handmade creations. Admission and parking are free, it is family friendly, and costumes are encouraged.
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Halloween Costume Party w/Unicorn Princess - NPR Location
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM
LaDee-Da Kids Spa NPR
7127 State Road 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653
Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume for a party with music, dancing, face painting and festive fun. Tickets are transferable to another guest but non-refundable once purchased. Skip the ticket fees by calling the spa at (727) 261-6265.
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ScovilleStrong Foundation Fall Festival at Kontos Event Center
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Kontos Event Center
9426 Little Rd, New Port Richey, FL 34654
A day of family fun with vendors, games and food, supporting the ScovilleStrong Foundation's mission of keeping kids connected through gaming and technology while they go through medical treatment.
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Chunky Knit at One Amazing Find
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 11 AM
One Amazing Find
106 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
A beginner-friendly hand-knitting workshop where you make a chunky lap throw. Yarn and instruction are provided, and no needles or experience are required. Each participant gets 20% off storewide that day. Register at oneamazingfind.com.
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FBA District 5 Marching Band MPA hosted by River Ridge High School Royal Sound Band Boosters
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 12 PM – 9 PM
Center for the Arts at River Ridge
11646 Town Center Rd., New Port Richey, FL 34654
The River Ridge High School Royal Sound Band Boosters host the District 5 Florida Bandmasters Association Marching Band Music Performance Assessment, bringing together students and families from Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. For the schedule, visit flmusiced.org, choose October and then District 5.
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Monster Mash Halloween Dance
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8 PM
New Port Richey Recreation & Aquatic Center
6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey, FL 34653
A Halloween dance at the recreation center with music, dancing, crafts, games and food. Pre-registration is $7 per person and day-of registration is $10 per person.
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Every Swing Creates A Brighter Future Charity Golf Tournament
Sunday | October 25, 2026 | 7 AM
Timber Greens Country Club
6333 Timber Greens Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655
A charity golf tournament at Timber Greens Country Club. Registration is at 7 AM and the shotgun start is at 8 AM.
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Opening For A Local Author Signing
Sunday | October 25, 2026 | 12 PM – 3 PM
Paperback Exchange Bookstore
6412 Ridge Rd, Port Richey, FL 34668
Paperback Exchange Bookstore is inviting local authors who would like to hold a book signing from noon to 3 PM to reach out to the store.
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Buccaneers vs. Panthers Watch Party at WOB Bar & Kitchen - Odessa, FL
Sunday | October 25, 2026 | 1 PM
WOB Bar & Kitchen - Odessa, FL
13430 Pine Gap Spur, Odessa, FL 33556
Cheer on the Buccaneers as they take on the Panthers on the big screens, with cold drinks and game day favorites from kickoff to final whistle.
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The Nacho Wagon (Mexican)
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 10 AM – 1 PM
Dayspring Academy - Ovation Campus
8330 Dayspring Academy Way, Port Richey, FL 34668
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Smash and Grab (Burgers | Fries)
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 11 AM – 2 PM
HCA Florida - Bayonet Point Hospital
14000 Fivay Road, Hudson, FL 34667
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Elevated Fusion Street Food (Street Food | Burgers | Rice Bowls)
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
The Liquid Garage Brewing Co.
1306 Seven Springs Blvd., New Port Richey, FL 34655
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1 Up Burger Food Truck (Burgers)
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Land O' Lakes Heritage Park
5401 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes, FL 34639
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Sandy's Flavor Station (Burgers | Smashburgers | American)
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Brighter Days Brewing Company
311 N Safford Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
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Which local restaurant do you love and recommend to everyone? Reply to this newsletter and tell us, and we may feature it in a future issue.

Audiostar at Sponge City Brewing
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Sponge City Brewing
501 South Pinellas Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Nick and Ben make their debut with great tunes and a lot of laughter. Come out, grab some food and have a beer.
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TL Jentgens - Port Richey, FL - Art's Tap House North
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 9 PM
Art's Tap House North
6935 Ridge Rd. (CR-524), Port Richey, FL 34668
Free, all ages, with free parking and no tickets needed. Call Art's Tap House North at (727) 848-2566.
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Oct 24th: Hudson, FL- GIRLS NIGHT OUT® AUSTRALIAN TAKEOVER at Circle S BBQ
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 8 PM – 10:30 PM
Circle S BBQ, LLC
14630 US 19, Hudson, FL 34667
Doors open at 7 PM for this ages 18 and up show. Tickets are available at avenueticket.com/event/circle-s.
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Reality Bites at Bourbon on Main
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 9 PM – 1 AM
Bourbon On Main
6307 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey, FL 34652
Reality Bites is back at Bourbon on Main in New Port Richey, with thanks to JME Talent for sponsoring.
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Audiostar at Sam's Hudson Beach Bar
Sunday | October 25, 2026 | 3 PM
Sam's Hudson Beach Bar
6325 Clark Street, Hudson, FL 34667
Get your kazoos tuned up and your hips ready for hula hopping. The afternoon brings live music and improv comedy.
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Block Party Band at Sam's Hudson Beach Bar
Sunday | October 25, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Sam's Hudson Beach Bar
6325 Clark Street, Hudson, FL 34667
A special Sunday Funday with your favorite "best of the 80s" band.
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