Whither New Port Richey in Bloom?

A lack of "momentum" and interest from the community may spoil a plan to enter New Port Richey into a city beautification contest.

The New Port Richey in Bloom Committee, comprising volunteers and city staff,  will vote Monday on whether to continue with its plan to enter next year's America in Bloom contest, which recognizes community beautification projects that incorporate plants and involvement from the governments, volunteers and businesses. The cost of entering is $1,000, but fundraising efforts had not begun.

“Decision needs to be made to continue with our plans for NPR In Bloom or just work on small projects in the community,” wrote committee chairwoman Sylvia Mc Chesney in an e-mail to members.  “There does not seem to be any momentum or enough interest to keep the project moving forward so a vote is necessary to make that determination. Whether or not to continue with NPR In Bloom will determine our need to move forward with fund raising ideas and logo.”

The committee intended to complete beautification and cleanup projects over the year to enter the national . If judges for America in Bloom like the results of the group’s efforts, the effort could win an award at a national symposium.

Since deciding to apply for next year’s contest, the committee has coordinated projects around the city. Locations that cleanups have been completed at include the West Pasco Historical Society headquarters, the, Cotee River Walk and Sims Park.

The committee members are each being asked to bring two ideas for smaller projects to complete in lieu of the citywide cleanup that was planned.

The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. July 18, at the.