The Love Local Issue
Valentines, love, pink, red... candy, cards, and flowers—these are all the things that scream love in the month of February.
It’s the one day of the year when we openly show our resounding affection to the ones we love, and I think that’s wonderful.
So, what’s your plan? Will you go out to eat and enjoy a great atmosphere? Or stay in, cuddle up under a fuzzy blanket, and watch a great movie? Whatever you choose, enjoy the moment. Take the opportunity to say everything you want your “person” to know, without any fear of sounding corny. Words matter. They can spark something amazing in someone—something you may never even realize you’ve done. Make them smile, laugh until their belly aches, and capture the moment with photos to cherish forever.
And wouldn’t it be wonderful if each year we add a “plus one” to Valentines? Yes, a plus one! Here’s the idea: choose a local business you love and show your appreciation for them, too. Visit that business and let them know how much you value their service, food, or offerings. Then, share your love with the world! Leave a Google review and highlight all the reasons why they’re amazing.
We live in a city filled with so many incredible “things.” “Love local” means supporting the businesses in your community and appreciating what’s close to home. For example, grab a coffee at Café De Bloom and head home for a cozy family game night by the fire. Or pick up a bottle of wine from Jallo Wine and Spirits and some Carmelita’s Mexican Dinner to-go for a relaxed movie night in.
We’ve always believed that what we can accomplish together far exceeds what we can do alone. Month after month, this truth is demonstrated through the stories shared in these pages. Loving local is about so much more than just Valentine’s Day—it’s a way to celebrate our community every day in between.
Our hope is to inspire you to love your city a little more than you did before. And we hope you love this publication as much as we love creating it for you!
Cheers!
AMY WALTERS, PUBLISHER @NEWPORTRICHEYCITYLIFESTYLE
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Amy Walters | amy.walters@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
JoAnn Chang | joann.chang@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Michelle Numann | michelle.numann@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rose & Brandon Fabian | info@luxcontentco.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
JoAnn Chang, Michelle Numann
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Lux Content Co., Fabian Photo + Films, Kenna Schott
Photography, Donna Sherwood, Amy Walters, Tiffany Feger, The City of New Port Richey
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Take
Estate
Building
Expertise
city scene
WHERE
NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: The Grinch wandered through Downtown New Port Richey, enjoying the slide at Sims Park. 2: Gift wrapping at its best for Small Business Saturday shoppers, featuring Mitchell High School. 3: Timmy the 10-foot duck stepped into history at The Hacienda Hotel.
4: Yvette, Amy, Andrea & Debbie spending time together at the YMCA prayer breakfast. 5: The Grinch entertaining the audience at the annual West Pasco Business Association Grinchmas. 6: Dressed to impress at the Trinity Dental Arts Patient Appreciation Christmas Party. 7: Dressed to impress with Jennifer & Andrew Hewitt, sponsors of the annual WPBA Grinchmas.
AMY WALTERS
DONNA SHERWOOD
TIFFANY FEGER
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DONNA SHERWOOD
AMY WALTERS
DONNA SHERWOOD
8: Chase Walters enjoying a chat with Santa Claus. 9: Enjoying festive fun, laughter, and holiday cheer at the Trinity Dental Arts Christmas Party. 10: Nikki Irwin & Kim Herring Networking at Brix33 monthly BNI mixer. 11: A festive boat heading down the Cotee River for the annual parade. 12: Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj and Piro are all smiles, having a great time at the party. 13: Amy, Dr. Xhoana Gjelaj, and Jason at the Trinity Dental Arts Patient Appreciation Christmas Party. 14: Dancing the night away at the Trinity Dental Arts Patient Appreciation Christmas Party.
TIFFANY FEGER
AMY WALTERS
TIFFANY FEGER
THE CITY OF NEW PORT RICHEY
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AMY WALTERS
business monthly
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Photography by Tracy Croushorn with TLC Studios
Photography by 30 Minute Hit Odessa
Photography by Seabreeze Pest Control
CAPTURING your LOVE
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to let fleeting moments slip by. Not long ago, stepping into your grandmother’s home meant being greeted by walls filled with photos, each capturing life’s cherished moments—a visual reminder of the love, milestones, and memories that shaped a family. Professional photography allows families to continue this tradition, ensuring the most meaningful moments are preserved for future generations.
“I think we all just get caught up in life. In the day-to-day, you’re running back and forth to work and trying to go to the gym, meet up with your friends, and take care of your children. Life just goes by so fast. You blink, and suddenly, you’ve been married six years. Sometimes, we forget to slow down and savor those moments. That’s what pictures and videos do. They freeze moments in time. That one hour is worth it because the photos are all you have left of that period of your life.” Shared Rose, Co-Owner of Fabian Photo + Films.
CONTINUED >
Cherishing and preserving life’s most meaningful moments.
ARTICLE BY MICHELLE NUMANN PHOTOGRAPHY BY FABIAN PHOTO+FILMS/ KENNA SCHOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
One powerful story highlights how impactful these photos and videos actually are. A bride reached out to the Fabians after her husband’s best man passed away, asking for any additional footage of him. The Fabians provided the raw video, offering the couple cherished final memories of their friend. “It’s moments like that when we realize the weight of what we do,” shared Brandon Fabian, Co-Owner of Fabian Photo + Films.
Brandon and Rose emphasize that professional photography is about so much more than curating pictures for social media. “When you hang your family portraits in your home, you’re showcasing memories that are deeply personal and timeless,” Rose adds. “Your photos should be for you, not for anyone else.”
Those unfamiliar with the process may wonder how best to make the most of their experience with a professional photographer. The Fabians keep their advice to clients pretty straightforward. “Our top two pieces of advice would be to always make sure you check for a full gallery and always make sure that you have a contract in place. That is the safest way for you as a client and for us as photographers to have that handled. Because things happen,” shared Rose. Most importantly, let go of the stress, trust your photographer, and savor the moment.
Rose and Brandon tailor their approach to each client’s unique story, bringing experience, skill, and a touch of humor to every session. They ensure that each photo reflects the love and connection of those in front of their camera, whether it’s a couple just starting their journey or a family preserving their legacy.
As Brandon and Rose like to remind their clients, “Your moments are precious, and once they’re gone, all that’s left are the photos and videos to remember them by. Make them count.”
Since 2012, Fabian Photo + Films has been capturing weddings and life’s most cherished moments. Lux Content Co. launched in 2024, offering professional branding and social media content.
Fabian Photo + Films & Lux Content Co.
Love LOCAL
Five local dates to treat your loved one.
ARTICLE BY JOANN CHANG PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and love is in the air! You don’t need to drive all the way to Tampa to find ways to spoil your favorite person. There are many great places right here in our community to show your loved one a good time. New Port Richey City Lifestyle has curated 5 dates to show your love locally.
FOR THE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST
If you and your loved one prefer the great outdoors, there are great ways to craft a date you’ll both love. Start your date with a hike in a local park, or rent a kayak from Salty Dog Kayak Rentals and explore the coastal waters from Werner-Boyce Salt Springs State Park. After your morning outside, immerse yourself in a relaxing and tranquil oasis with a couple’s massage at Rainforest Rejuvenation Spa. Wrap your date with a fabulous meal at ZEN Kitchen & Bar. Their Pan Asian specialties are fresh and vibrant and their bar offers beautiful craft cocktails to cap your meal.
FOR THE FOODIE
Are you and your valentine foodies? Start your date at Sip on Grand and spend the afternoon tasting some of their wide range of wine options from around the world available by the glass while noshing on a charcuterie board. From there, stroll down Main Street to MADE Artisan Hall and look for great spices, sauces and kitchen and dining accessories to elevate your next meal at home. After your shopping, enjoy dinner at one of the area’s newest restaurants, L’attitude 28. They offer upscale dining and craft cocktails in a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
If your valentine loves looking their best and keeping up with the latest trends, there are great places in the area to fashion the perfect date. Start with a self-care day at Cabelo Salon, with facials and pedicures to have you both looking and feeling your best. Then stop by MacKinnon Jewelers to pick out the perfect jewelry piece to love for years to come. End your evening with drinks and dinner at Dang Good on Main. Their gorgeous downtown location, high end saké cocktails and fresh and flavorful sushi and poké will be the highlight of your Insta reels.
FOR THE FITNESS FOCUSED
If your love’s idea of a great time is a hard workout and keeping within their macros, we have you covered. Start by getting your sweat on with a workout together at HOTWORX in Odessa. Pick your favorite workout from yoga, pilates, barre, HIIT, or isometrics and sweat it out in an infrared sauna workout. After you cool down, pick out new bikes at Trinity Cyclery for future dates on the trail. End your evening with dinner at Harps of Trinity. They offer a handcrafted menu sure to satisfy every palate and cocktails to celebrate the night away.
FOR A FAMILY DATE
If you aren’t able to get away as a couple, or prefer to celebrate your love as a family, there are great family friendly options in the area. Start your day at Color Me
Mine and let everyone pick a piece of pottery to turn into their own masterpiece. From there, stop by KSplitz Creamery for a sweet treat of homemade hand-dipped ice cream. They’re sure to please with both classics like vanilla and chocolate as well as innovative flavors like salted caramel pretzel crunch and lavender honey. Wrap up your date with tacos and quesadillas and other family favorites at Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg! Whatever activity, shopping or dining option you’re looking for, you’re bound to find an option to keep it local. So, before you hop in the car to head to Tampa, look into one of the great local businesses available in New Port Richey and West Pasco. There are so many great places to show your love locally.
STEP INTO HISTORY
ARTICLE
BY MICHELLE NUMANN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUX CONTENT CO.
Timeless Luxury: The Hacienda’s Blend of Heritage and Modern Comfort.
Tucked in the heart of downtown New Port Richey, The Hacienda is a lovingly restored 1920s boutique hotel that radiates timeless charm and elegance. It is known affectionately for its history, making it a true gem in our community. It’s also a home away from home for many. This iconic property offers couples a dreamy escape filled with heritage, luxury, and warmth, making it a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or even just a place to relax and disconnect from the rest of the world.
Stepping into The Hacienda feels like traveling back in time. Every detail reflects its illustrated past, from original chandeliers and corbels to the unique building pattern. “One thing that makes us unique is the pattern on the building; although there are other pink hotels in Florida, we’re the only one that has this pattern, and it represents the mullet jumping in the Cotee River,” shared Dylan Gamez, marketing director and public relations manager of The Hacienda.
The hotel exudes the glamor of old Hollywood, once a hotspot for silent film stars and icons like Johnny Cash, Babe Ruth, and even Shirley Temple’s family.
“New Port Richey was becoming known as the Hollywood of the East. They were coming down to film places for the celebrities from up north in New York to come down to the southeast area during the winter months.” Shared Rafe Banks, manager of The Hacienda.
The former Hollywood hotspot seamlessly blends its historic charm with modern comfort. Much of the original structure has been meticulously preserved, and repurposed materials have been used to restore the bar and front desk. “Mr. Gunderson, the owner of The Hacienda, had previously brought his passion to life at Lakeside Inn, so for him, it’s not so much the hotel’s day-to-day running. It’s the restoration and preserving history that he’s passionate about.” Shared Gamez. “When I first started, they were still doing construction in some areas in their lobby, and one of the things they were still working on was the fireplace. A historical restoration expert meticulously chipped away at the surface, using a tool that looked as delicate as a toothpick,” added Banks.
In addition, The Hacienda sets the stage for romance. Things like on-site dining, beautiful surroundings, and thoughtfully curated packages—including wine, dining credits, and brunch—make planning a special weekend effortless. Whether celebrating an anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just a quiet escape, the hotel’s intimate atmosphere is perfect for creating lasting memories with your partner, friends, and family. Its unique placement also serves as a vibrant hub for the community. Its proximity to local shops, restaurants, and Sims Park ensures that every stay is full of opportunities for exploration and entertainment.
What truly sets The Hacienda apart is its staff’s warmth and dedication to preserving its rich history. Whether sharing stories of its fascinating past or assisting guests with personalized recommendations like their one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt, they create an experience that feels more like a family welcome than a hotel stay.
THE HACIENDA HOTEL
Originally opened in 1927, the Hacienda Hotel’s restoration started in 2018 and reopened in 2022. Its unique design blends timeless charm with community spirit. At the Hacienda, history comes alive, offering a warm experience where guests are treated like family. Learn more and reserve your stay at haciendahotelnpr.com .
BECAUSE.
CHOCOLATE.
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
When my kids were little, we would address valentines to classmates, deliver flowers to neighbors and decorate the house with hearts and snowflakes (cut from white coffee filters). For dinner, I would make their favorite meal: dessert! Why not? I'd melt chocolate (the good stuff) and let them line up their dippers. They thought dessert for dinner was magical. Of course, I'd fed them a protein-packed after-school snack and served "dinner" early so they could get their sugar wiggles out before bed. Delightful! Happy Valentine's Day!
The Spiked Jones
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup whole coffee beans
• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate (61% Valrhona), chopped
• 2 tablespoons Kahlua
• 1 teaspoon confectioner's sugar
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolatecovered coffee beans, chopped
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, 1/2 cup cream, and whole coffee beans. Bring to a simmer, turn off heat, cover, and steep beans for 1 hour. Strain liquid and return to saucepan; discard beans. Bring the milk-and-cream mixture back to a simmer, add chocolate, and whisk until incorporated. Remove from heat; whisk in Kahlua. Whip remaining 1/2 cup cream and the confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form. Divide the hot chocolate between 2 cups and garnish each portion with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkling of chopped chocolate-covered coffee beans.
