PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Planning & Zoning Board members reviewed a draft flyer and outreach plan Oct. 14 intended to support voluntary annexation of nearby commercial properties and small enclave pockets and agreed staff should begin outreach with a targeted mailing and follow‑up public sessions.

Staff presented two flyer drafts and a proposed letter to property owners and asked whether the board preferred a business‑first approach. Members recommended prioritizing commercial properties along U.S. 19 and nearby enclaves immediately adjacent to city boundaries, then expanding outreach outward. Board members suggested scheduling open‑house sessions in January or February, offering both daytime and evening options and allowing appointments for property owners who cannot attend.

Staff said the packet would emphasize benefits but avoid absolute promises about taxes; a staff member estimated that water service would be about 25% less for property owners who become city water customers. Board members suggested starting with a soft, citywide announcement of planned meetings followed by a more specific mailing to the identified commercial parcels and enclave addresses (staff reported an initial list of roughly 20–30 enclave addresses behind City Hall). Several members urged caution to avoid creating isolated enclaves and recommended taking a broader half‑mile approach for mailings to test receptivity.

Legal and procedural questions were raised. Staff and board members said voluntary annexation is preferable for commercial properties; for some enclave scenarios the county has indicated it would not object to city‑initiated annexation because the city already provides many services. Board members asked staff to confirm legal thresholds and the process for converting voluntary interest to annexation petitions.

The board gave staff direction to proceed with outreach materials and scheduling. Members agreed to start targeted outreach to the identified commercial parcels and enclave properties, hold at least two public meeting options after the holidays and return with results and a recommended next step to the board and City Council.