Main Street Director Steps Down for Medical Reasons

Beth Fregger is taking a medical leave of absence from her post as executive director of Greater New Port Richey Main Street, the nonprofit that focuses on downtown revitalization. 

Fregger has been leading the Main Street group since January, 2012. In mid-November, she suffered a cervical infection in her spine that left her temporarily paralyzed.

She has continued overseeing Main Street business throughout her initial recovery.

“This job requires my full attention and right now I need to put my full attention into my recovery,” Fregger stated in a Main Street press release. “I am a perfectionist and if I cannot do everything 110 percent, I feel it is only fair to step away.”

Fregger is an advertising and marketing professional who owns the Chasco Inn building on Main Street.

In her time as executive director of Main Street, which receives a city subsidy, Fregger led several programs designed to bring people downtown.

She organized a a bench painting project that covered half the squat benches on the bridge over the Pithlachascotee River at the city’s western entrance with new artwork.

She resurrected the group’s downtown farmer’s market event, evolving it into a weekly happening. She also held a large and successful Cotee River Seafood and Blues Festival last year that was widely regarded as successful.

Fregger also developed partnerships with the Pasco Economic Development Council, the City of New Port Richey, Pasco County, the planners of Pasco EcoFest and the West Pasco Chamber of Commerce.

Fregger’s last day as executive director, a part-time job, will be April 12. Administrative Coordinator Leah Robinson and members of the Board of Directors will be leading the program after her departure. The Main Street board is looking at their options for replacing Fregger.

Fregger plans to continue volunteering with the group on upcoming projects. She also plans on returning to the position.