City of New Port Richey/Facebook
Mayor Rob Marlowe gives a speech in June.
At last Tuesday’s New Port Richey City Council meeting, Mayor Rob Marlowe railed against people speaking out in public comments and citizens requesting public records.
Government agencies, including New Port Richey, are required by law to receive public comments. And, according to Harvard Law School, an agency must consider the comments it receives. Florida’s “Sunshine Law” requires governments to maintain and issue records on a timely basis.
Despite these laws, Marlowe expressed his contempt for public opinion and those who wanted transparency from his government.
Marlowe called the public comments “rubbish.”
“I would like them to settle down and move on with their lives,” he said.
After a long rant against public speakers, Marlowe was not finished.
He claimed that a few people have “weaponized public records requests.” He said his workers are “buried” under demands that are slowing down other work. Then he called out to a member of the audience.
“I know we have at least one person in this room tonight who is involved in that and I’ll let him remain nameless,” Marlowe said. “But I know who they are and I know who the others are.”
He said the public records requests were disrupting the city’s operations, adding that he had “had enough.”
“I don’t care where they go, just go,” Marlow said of the people requesting the records.
In the middle of his announcement, and without evidence, he also accused the protesters of terrorizing children and said that the BLM protesters marched downtown specifically to harm people and local businesses.
Speakers appeared at City Hall last Tuesday as part of a long-running push for responsible government in New Port Richey.
The city has been caught up in several scandals recently, especially due to the actions of the police during the George Floyd uprising. Residents also spoke of what they perceive as corruption within the city’s management.
In 2020, NPR PD officers were caught by CL praying with SPLC-designated hate group “The Proud Boys” to protest a BLM march. In 2021, an NPRPD officer leaked departmental information about BLM protesters to a right-wing armed vigilante. Activists caught an NPRPD officer posing in front of a Confederate flag.
The department also tried to put a black activist, Marlowe Jones, in prison for assaulting a law enforcement officer — a felony — despite a lack of evidence. All of the BLM protests in New Port Richey were peaceful, in large part because of Jones’ work with the city and police to keep it that way.
During a protest, a drunken white man assaulted a female protester. Jones broke up the fight, and when police arrived, a law enforcement officer was falsely accused of assault. At trial Nicholas Rickus, the police officer who charged Jones, was unable to clarify his story or show on video where Jones hit him.
At the Sept. 6 meeting, Jones asked why the city hasn’t investigated the actions of Police Chief Kim Bogart’s department. In response, Mayor Marlowe tried to paint him as the sketchy character that Jones placed between the protester and the police. Meanwhile, the mayor left out that Jones broke the fight to protect the woman.
Mayor Marlowe eventually kicked Jones out of the Sept. 6 meeting for speaking while the council was in the middle of a debate. After the meeting, Jones told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that the mayor’s comments were “very troubling and troubling for his mental health.”
Abuse by city officials is nothing new to Jones.
After his trial, CL found through public records that City Manager Debbie Manns — who according to NPR has the most power in the city — wrote a text saying she was “not happy” that Jones was found not guilty.
Michelle Wojciechowski also criticized New Port Richey city officials at the meeting.
Wojciechowski, who is Jewish, recently had his home broken into by police and code enforcement. While his house was being searched, the body cam obtained by CL shows an NPR PD officer making a Holocaust joke.
When Wojciechowski’s home was searched, the warrant used by code enforcement and police did not list his name, correct address or the correct parcel number on the property. Meanwhile, Florida state law says police can only search “the property described in the warrant or the person named.”
NPR’s City Attorney Tim Driscoll was on hand when police and code entered Wojciechowski’s home to investigate alleged code violations. In 2007, Driscoll’s St. Pete Beach’s city attorney was forced to resign “amidst mistrust” for giving “duplicated advice” to city commissioners.
At the Sept. 6 meeting, city officials reappointed Driscoll as city attorney for another year. That prompted further criticism from residents who said Driscoll is allowing code enforcement to operate without adequate safeguards.
Driscoll defended himself, telling the council: “There’s been a lot of wrong done here tonight. And I really can’t let you sit here and listen to that and believe that some of the hyperbole you’re hearing here is true.”
“We don’t do warrantless searches,” Driscoll said, referring to a resident named Judith Allen, who accused code enforcement of trying to enter another property without a warrant and issuing warrants without a name or address listed, which is illegal.
But video from a March incident shows NPR code enforcement officer Erik Jay — who retired from NPRPD before taking up code enforcement — talking to residents at a home. In the video, the neighbors said they arrived and ransacked the home when Jay wasn’t home, and they said he served them with a paper warrant.
The only NPR council member who said the government should listen to voters at the meeting was Peter Altman. The rest of the council supported Mayor Marlowe and thanked him for speaking out against people exercising their legal rights.
After the meeting, Altman commented to CL about the importance of transparency in government.
“I think it’s critical that elected officials always take the high road, even when they’re frustrated or nervous,” Altman said. “Fresh from Florida League of Cities ethics training with a good amount of time dedicated to public records. I understand that it is essential to take these requests seriously.”
It’s not just residents who have trouble getting transparency about the behavior of certain city departments. Manns and Driscoll have elected city managers to use personal cell phones to communicate city business regardless of where public records exist.
When CL filed a records request for those text communications, the city determined that it would charge Driscoll an hourly rate for its public records, and that Mann would be charged $67, his estimated hourly rate.
When this reporter said that charging for public records was an unreasonable amount, City Clerk Judy Meyers said those charges would remain because public officials would have to enter the public records themselves.
The account of Manns and Driscoll’s communications has reached the attorney general’s office. The Florida Center for Government Accountability (FLCGA) has also communicated with CL about the issue.
“By using their personal phones to conduct official business, they have become custodians of public records,” Michael Barfield, FLCGA’s Director of Public Access, told CL. “It makes sense to pass on the costs of the hourly rates to the applicant because they have chosen to be the sole custodian of public records.”
Marlowe, Driscoll, Manns, Bogart and Meyers did not respond to requests for comment for this story.
What is the cost of living in Port Richey Florida?
| COST OF LIVING | Port Richey | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Foods | 101.2 | 102.8 |
| health | 98.4 | 98 |
| Housing | 48.8 | 102.6 |
| Median cost of housing | $166,700 | $294,900 |
What is the difference between Port Richey and New Port Richey? Port Richey was incorporated as a municipality in 1925, in response to the incorporation of New Port Richey the previous year. The name Port Richey is older than the name New Port Richey, as the post offices were established in 1884 and 1915, respectively.
What is Port Richey Florida known for?
The city has a wide range of business and retail services. Since its foundation in 1924, the city is known for its cultural heritage and unique riverside scenery. Located in western Pasco County, New Port Richey is approximately northwest of greater Tampa.
Is Port Richey a good place to live?
New Port Richey is a very quaint and pleasant place to live. It has a village feel and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry. The area has lots of parks and libraries, lots of places to go and entertain without the “Big City feel”. Located close to the beach and Tampa.
Is New Port Richey a beach town?
Located 35 miles northwest of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico, New Port Richey’s riverfront landscape blends nature, beaches and great shopping with restaurants, culture and business…all with a small-town feel.
Is Port Richey Florida a good place to live?
New Port Richey’s communities are safe, the public schools are well-maintained, and it’s a very relaxed city with fun community events. Overall a good city, up and coming, lots of useful places. Some areas are broken but not too much.
Is Port Richey FL a good place to retire?
Everyone knows that Florida is a haven for retirees, and the reasons are clear to many: great weather, lots of recreation, and lots of other retirees!
Is it expensive to live in New Port Richey Florida?
New Port Richey’s housing costs are 60% lower than the national average and utility prices are 2% lower than the national average. Transportation costs such as bus fares and gas prices are 2% lower than the national average. New Port Richey has food prices 3% higher than the national average.
Is Port Richey Florida Expensive?
The cost of living in Port Richey, Florida is 14% lower than the national average. The cost of living in any area can vary depending on your career path, average salary, and the real estate market in that area.
Is New Port Richey a good place to live?
New Port Richey is a very quaint and pleasant place to live. It has a village feel and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry. The area has lots of parks and libraries, lots of places to go and entertain without the “Big City feel”. Located close to the beach and Tampa.
Is Port Richey Florida a good place to live?
New Port Richey’s communities are safe, the public schools are well-maintained, and it’s a very relaxed city with fun community events. Overall a good city, up and coming, lots of useful places. Some areas are broken but not too much.
What is Port Richey Florida famous for? The city has a wide range of business and retail services. Since its foundation in 1924, the city is known for its cultural heritage and unique riverside scenery. Located in western Pasco County, New Port Richey is approximately northwest of greater Tampa.
Is Port Richey FL a good place to retire?
Everyone knows that Florida is a haven for retirees, and the reasons are clear to many: great weather, lots of recreation, and lots of other retirees!
Where is the best place to live in Florida for retirement?
Best places to retire in Florida:
- Sarasota.
- Naples
- Daytona Beach.
- Melbourne.
- Tampa.
- Fort Myers.
- Port Saint Lucia.
- Pensacola.
What is it like living in Port Richey FL?
New Port Richey is a very quaint and pleasant place to live. It has a village feel and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry. The area has lots of parks and libraries, lots of places to go and entertain without the “Big City feel”. Located close to the beach and Tampa.
Is New Port Richey a city or town?
New Port Richey is a city in Pasco County, United States. It is a suburban city within the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. In the 2020 census, it had 16,728 inhabitants.
Is New Port Richey a beach town? New Port Richey’s geography blends nature, beaches and great shopping with restaurants, culture and business, all with a small-town feel. Major attractions are nearby.
Is New Port Richey a suburb?
The city of New Port Richey is a suburb of Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, and the Tampa-St. Pete-Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical Area. Located on the west coast of Pasco County, it has direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the best beaches in Florida.
What is New Port Richey known for?
Downtown New Port Richey is a historic riverfront community in northern Tampa Bay with award-winning restaurants, shops, bars and breweries. Our rich history is preserved by the Hacienda Hotel (reopening in 2022), the Richey Suncoast Theater and the New Port Richey Museum.
Is New Port Richey Florida a nice place to live?
New Port Richey is a very quaint and pleasant place to live. It has a village feel and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry. The area has lots of parks and libraries, lots of places to go and entertain without the “Big City feel”. Located close to the beach and Tampa.
Is New Port Richey a good city?
New Port Richey is a very quaint and pleasant place to live. It has a village feel and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry. The area has lots of parks and libraries, lots of places to go and entertain without the “Big City feel”. Located close to the beach and Tampa.
What is New Port Richey known for?
New Port Richey is a residential community with a strong local government and an attractive historic downtown and Main Street. The city has a wide range of business and retail services. Since its foundation in 1924, the city is known for its cultural heritage and unique riverside scenery.
Is New Port Richey Florida a good place to retire?
Everyone knows that Florida is a haven for retirees, and the reasons are clear to many: great weather, lots of recreation, and lots of other retirees!
How far is New Port Richey from the beach?
Clearwater Beach to New Port Richey is 19.56 miles in a northeasterly direction and a 25-mile (40.23-kilometer) drive along US-19 N. Clearwater Beach and New Port Richey are 38 minutes away if you drive non-stop.
Is New Port Richey FL a nice place to live? New Port Richey is a very quaint and pleasant place to live. It has a village feel and lots of places to eat, drink and be merry. The area has lots of parks and libraries, lots of places to go and entertain without the “Big City feel”. Located close to the beach and Tampa.
What is Port Richey known for?
A small coastal city located on the Gulf of Mexico, New Port Richey is known for its Old Florida atmosphere, lush scenery, and outdoor adventure.
What’s in Port Richey Florida?
Top attractions in New Port Richey
- sims park 288. Parks. …
- Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park. 361…
- Anclote Key Preserve State Park. 112. Islands. …
- James E Gray Canning. the parks by freespiritedone. …
- Robert K. Rees Memorial Park. 131. …
- Cote River Brewing Company. Breweries …
- St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. …
- Richey Suncoast Theatre. Theaters
Is New Port Richey a nice vacation spot?
New Port Richey is close to some of the most amazing beaches in the state. Proximity to major urban centers also means a wealth of cultural, historical and artistic attractions. It is known for its peaceful surroundings, pleasant weather and a wide range of dining and accommodation options.
Is New Port Richey a nice beach?
New Port Richey is a wonderful Florida vacation destination. The town has a lot to offer, from the stunning beaches to the vast sea and wildlife. The options here are varied and plentiful, and the list highlights some of the best beaches in the area.
Does New Port Richey have nice beaches?
Located 35 miles northwest of Tampa on the Gulf of Mexico, New Port Richey’s riverfront landscape blends nature, beaches and great shopping with restaurants, culture and business…all with a small-town feel.
Is Port Richey a good place to retire?
Everyone knows that Florida is a haven for retirees, and the reasons are clear to many: great weather, lots of recreation, and lots of other retirees!
Where is the best place to live in Florida for retirement? Best places to retire in Florida:
- Sarasota.
- Naples
- Daytona Beach.
- Melbourne.
- Tampa.
- Fort Myers.
- Port Saint Lucia.
- Pensacola.
Are there alligators in Pasco County Florida?
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A 10-foot alligator that was chasing people in the water was captured Saturday, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says. The sheriff’s office says the gator was chasing people on the Pithlachascotee River near Durney Key. It’s a place where people swim and scallop.
What part of Florida doesn’t have alligators? Some of the most popular areas in Central Florida that are not occupied by alligators or sharks are rivers fed by freshwater springs. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee and the Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.
Are there alligators in Hudson FL?
Guests at the secluded park in Hudson, Florida, reported seeing an alligator in a freshwater lake this weekend, and told ABC Action News they were surprised there were no signs specifically warning of the alligators’ presence.
Are there alligators in Pasco County Florida?
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. â A 10-foot alligator that was chasing people in the water was captured Saturday, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says. The sheriff’s office says the gator was chasing people on the Pithlachascotee River near Durney Key. It’s a place where people swim and scallop.
What is the most alligator infested lake in Florida?
“Lake Okeechobee has the most alligators because of its size and the availability of suitable habitat,” said an FWC spokesperson. That lake has about 30,000 alligators, but is almost 30 times larger than Lake Jesup.
What county in Florida has the most alligators?
News 6 reports that at least on an average day, alligators and human habitats collide in Florida. State FWC data show 380 people reported alligators that were a little too close for comfort last year. Brevard County had the most calls for problem gators in the entire state.
What city has the most alligators in Florida?
The largest population of Gators live in Gainesville, FL. They live in freshwater rivers, lakes, swamps and marshes. There are an estimated five million American alligators in the southeastern United States and a quarter of Florida’s alligator population.
What is the most gator infested lake in Florida?
#1 Lake Okeechobee 9,308, South Central, Palm Beach, Martin, Glades County. Lake Okeechobee is Florida’s largest lake. It is one of the most alligator infested lakes in Florida!
Are there alligators in New Port Richey?
PORT RICHEY, Fla. â The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said New Port Richey Police and the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the capture of a 10-foot alligator off the coast of Durney Key on Saturday. “We know we’ve seen them up the river bank and up the creek.
Are there alligators in Zephyrhills?
An alligator was spotted Sunday while going for a walk in a Zephyrhills neighborhood.
Are there alligators in Pasco County Florida?
PASCO COUNTY, Fla. â A 10-foot alligator that was chasing people in the water was captured Saturday, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office says. The sheriff’s office says the gator was chasing people on the Pithlachascotee River near Durney Key. It’s a place where people swim and scallop.