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Port Richey council agrees to start process to vacate unused portion of Bridge Street
Summary
Council directed staff to draft an ordinance and begin the public-notice process to vacate a short segment of Bridge Street that currently serves as driveway and access to marina and restaurant property, while preserving utility easements and addressing a pedestrian public space created by a 1996 ordinance.
Port Richey City Council on May 13 directed staff to begin the legal process to vacate a short, unused section of Bridge Street that ends at a former bridge abutment on the north bank of the Cody River.
The move responds to a long-standing request from Fort Richey Marina Rentals LLC, which operates the marina and an adjacent restaurant that now use the pavement as driveway and customer parking. City staff said the segment “no longer serves as an active roadway” and was originally submitted for vacation in 2021 but withdrawn before final action. City staff recommended preparing an ordinance and scheduling the public hearing required under Florida law.
Council members and staff repeatedly emphasized protection for existing utilities. Staff noted a 6-inch water main runs beneath the Cody River at that location and that water and sewer service lines connect to adjacent businesses. City staff and attorneys said any vacation would need to preserve permanent utility easements “to ensure the city can continue its access and maintain these vital infrastructure systems.” Council discussion also highlighted the need for more than a narrow easement in places where the water main is deep beneath the riverbed; one council member asked staff to consider 15–20 feet of easement rather than a typical 10-foot strip.
The tract also contains a short pedestrian public space established by ordinance in 1996; that ordinance had restricted vehicles and directed the city manager and a civic committee to beautify the area. Council members asked staff to address how that public space should be treated if the council vacates the right of way — whether to relocate, terminate, or preserve the public-space function — and staff said repeal or related action would be required.
There was no vote on the vacation itself at the May 13 meeting. Council approved direction to the city attorney to prepare a proposed ordinance for first reading and to schedule the statutorily required public hearing and notices. If the council moves forward, any final vacation would be adopted by ordinance after public hearing and after recording appropriate utility easements.
Council members and staff noted potential benefits if the property is vacated, including enabling improvements to a private business that could increase taxable value and clarifying public maintenance responsibilities. They also cautioned that the city would need to retain sufficient easement for access and potential future repairs to the river-crossing water main.
