Council ceremony: Officer sworn in; city proclaims Florida Loquat Day and honors Pasco Animal Hospital; Main Street previews spring events

The New Port Richey council opened its March 18 meeting with ceremonial items and community reports.

Police Chief Cochin and Mayor Chopper Davis presided over the swearing-in of Joseph Kirby as a New Port Richey police officer. Chief Cochin introduced Kirby’s background: a Largo native, Gulf High School graduate, U.S. Marine Corps veteran deployed to Afghanistan, former Pasco County detention deputy, school security officer and contractor who has worked in security and special-response units. During the ceremony, Kirby took the oath of office and family members joined for photos.

Mayor Chopper Davis read a proclamation declaring April 2025 as Florida Loquat Day in New Port Richey and highlighted the 12th annual Florida Loquat Festival set for April 12 at Sims Park, as well as associated community events such as a loquat walk and a loquat beer release at Cody River Brewery.

The council also presented a proclamation honoring Pasco Animal Hospital and Dr. Jeffrey Adams for 20 years of service; Dr. Adams accepted the recognition and thanked staff and the community.

Kim Russ, president of New Port Richey Main Street, summarized recent event successes (Chalk Fest attendance grew to about 2,000), previewed a 4th Friday downtown event on April 25, and noted a tentative June 5 ribbon-cutting for new public art. She also said permits for the artwork were approved and that the group plans to promote the art and downtown businesses to regional publications.

These ceremonial items were followed by comments and the meeting’s business agenda.