New Port Richey Landmark Celebrates 3rd Anniversary Despite Flooding

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — Despite flooding from Hurricane Idalia, the waterfront restaurant, Widow Fletcher's Restaurant, was able to reopen in time to celebrate its third anniversary Sept. 3, thanks to staff and volunteers who worked long hours cleaning up the mess left by Idalia.

Formerly known as Leverocks, Widow Fletcher's is a landmark waterfront restaurant with boat slips centered in the residential waterfront canal community of Gulf Harbors in New Port Richey.

Owner Dr. David Hirschaeur and his former partners reconstructed and remodeled the previously burned-out building, which sat vacant for 14 years before finally reopening the restaurant in September 2020 during the pandemic.

Despite the flooding from Hurricane Idalia's storm surge and full moon tides in the early-morning hours of Aug. 30, the restaurant was closed for just days instead of years.

Hirschaeur admitted he had his doubts that the restaurant would reopen in time for the long-anticipated anniversary party.

“While much of our area received flooding, we certainly saw a good brunt of the storm flooding in New Port Richey with our waterfront location," said Hirschaeur. "The impact of the historic flooding in the area was less than originally forecasted, but Widow Fletcher's downstairs floor wasn’t as lucky. After an outpouring of support from the local community and the hard work of staff and volunteers, Widow Fletcher's downstairs was ready for our anniversary party."

Hirschaeur said Sunday's festivities held special meaning because of the community's involvement in getting the restaurant reopened in record time.

"We are fortunate to be able to reopen so quickly and thank all our patrons over the past three years for their support," he said.

In addition to live music, prizes and food and drink specials, Hirschaeur showed his gratitude by offering boat patrons free overnight dock slips on Sunday night.