New Port Richey extends local state of emergency as council weighs recovery steps after storm

The New Port Richey City Council voted to extend the city's local state of emergency for impacts related to Hurricane Helena, authorizing an extension of up to seven days at a time as the city continues recovery operations.

Staff described the extension as an administrative step to allow the city to continue emergency response and recovery operations while conditions in the Gulf remain uncertain. The council heard public comment from Mike Peters, a local resident, who praised the city's emergency response and urged the council to consider assistance for the business community and affected residents during cleanup and recovery.

City staff reported at least 450 businesses in New Port Richey have been impacted and said they have begun the FEMA application process for potential reimbursement for business and residential assistance. "At this point, we're aware of at least 450 businesses in the city of New Port Richey that have been impacted," staff said, and staff committed to providing a map of affected residential and commercial properties in the Friday packet.

Council members and staff discussed immediate needs including power restoration, inspections for safe re-energizing of homes, liability questions about contracting electricians directly in an emergency, and possible use of city or CRA funds to assist low-income residents. One council member urged the city to find a way to avoid charging storm victims inspection or certification fees in order to speed recovery and prevent further hardship. City staff said they would investigate program options and report back with numbers on permits and assessments.

The council approved the emergency extension by voice vote (4-0) and directed staff to provide a detailed damage map, evaluate options for contractor engagement or inspection assistance, and return to council quickly if additional emergency meetings or extended emergency declarations are needed.