Port Richey’s waterfront district is located along the Gulf of Mexico both north and south of the Pithlachascotee (Cotee) River. It isn’t well marked and doesn’t look like much from U.S. 19, but it houses some really nice businesses owned by determined entrepreneurs that are improving the area with help from the City of Port Richey.

On the north side of the Cotee River, there are several restaurants, boat rental, boat tour and watering holes right on the Gulf. On the south side, similar businesses can be found – again, right on the Gulf, but it takes a little more work to find them.

The Bayou Business Association is a group of dedicated waterfront district business owners who work together to put on events and solve problems such as limited parking and visibility to help residents and visitors get out and “catch a coastal state of mind.”

Labor Day Kick-Off Spectacular 5k

There upcoming event to showcase the area is a Labor Day Kick-Off Spectacular 5K and Traveling Trolley Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt being held Friday evening, September 1st.

This fun filled, themed event begins in Waterfront Park with a 5K that will have participants running from the Waterfront District to the Gulf of Mexico at Brasher Park. The 5K -3-mile route is a self-timed fun run-walk-stroll with a finisher medal, followed by optional after-party. Mayor and Princess events is the organizer and they have a great reputation for “putting the fun in run.”

Traveling Trolley Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt

Immediately following the 5k, the participants and paid guests can begin their search of raffle entries throughout the Waterfront District by hopping the Traveling Kia Trolley following clues to participating business locations.

While searching for raffle entries along the way, the trolley will stop at participating clubs and restaurants, where participants will be treated to drink and/or food specials.

The party culminates at Whiskey River where participants will turn in all earned raffle entries by 9:15pm for the awards ceremony at 9:30. Each participating location will help participants have a great time with food and drink specials while hunting for clues to earn raffle entries. Click here for details and to sign up for the 5k.

The Waterfront Bayou Business District

Thanks to the support of the local businesses, the prizes are awesome and the fun should be non-stop, which will help build participation in this inaugural event.

The City of Port Richey is the largest commercial port in the county. The Bayou Business District is in the heart of the City on the waterfront along the Cotee River and Miller’s Bayou. There are many private residences within the business district which provides a good mixture of land use. Also within the district are, natural public green spaces, fishing piers and a boat ramp.

Off into the Gulf are the famous stilt houses and Anclote island, as well as several smaller islands that are fun to visit by canoe, kayak, SUP or power boat. Rental locations and tour operators are available on both sides of the Cotee river. There is a nice pier for fishing and boat ramp at the park.

It’s a casual, waterfront place right smack off busy, noisy U.S. 19. Seafood, craft beer, wings, music and fun are all in abundance here.

Events Unite the Community

Fourth of July, 2017 was a great party at the park, with a fireworks show over the Gulf. It was a hit and many more events are planned. The Labor Day 5k and Traveling Trolley party is expected to be the first of many fitness and fun events that unite both sides of the river.

For more information on the Bayou Business District, visit their web page here.

To sign up for the Labor Day Kick-Off Spectacular 5K and Traveling Trolley Pub Crawl & Scavenger Hunt, click here.