New Port Richey Expands Streets Where Golf Carts Are Permitted

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL -- After test driving a 2016 ordinance permitting golf carts on certain New Port Richey streets, the city council voted Tuesday night to expand the scope of the ordinance.

The council agreed to add Louisiana Avenue and Main Street from Van Buren Street to the city limits to the list of roads where residents can drive golf carts.

The 2016 ordinance already allows golf carts on Main Street along a section from River Road to Van Buren Street and on parts of Grand Boulevard, Marine Parkway and Louisiana Avenue.

"This is one of the coolest ordinances," said Deputy Mayor Jeff Starkey who, along with 100 other residents, have registered his golf cart to allow him to operate it on city roads.

He described a recent family trip to Mount Dora where one enterprising resident uses a multi-seat golf cart to shuttle visitors and residents around town in exchange for donations.

"It's a great downtown concept," said Starkey, noting that it take cars off city roads. "I would love for the City of New Port Richey to get there one day."

That day may come sooner than later.

Organizers of New Port Richey's annual Chasco Fiesta, which takes place this year from March 29 to April 26, has enlisted the services of EZEventRide of Jacksonville to shuttle fiesta visitors from remote park and ride lots. The nonprofit company uses golf cart trains similar to those that shuttle visitors from remote parking lots at Busch Gardens. The cost is a tip for the driver.

New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe said he's been heartened to see as many as 30 to 35 residents come to concerts and other events at Sims Park on golf carts now that they can be legally used on New Port Richey roads.

He said the next step is to find a way to offer this option to residents living on the west side of U.S. 19.

"There's no way (residents) can cross U.S. 19 without taking their lives into their hands," he said. "But we're aware of the issue and I would like us to work on solutions."

The current ordinance only applies to streets on the east side of U.S. 19 with the exception of major roads with faster speed limits including Congress Street. Madison Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, Trouble Creek Road, Marine Parkway between U.S. 19 and Grand Boulevard.

The idea is to take cars off city roads and free up precious parking space in the city.

Golf cart owners must register their golf cart each year for a $25 fee, have proof of insurance and undergo an inspection by the New Port Richey Police Department.

Image via EZEventRide

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