New Port Richey Main Street is proud to announce that our community received two honors through the Secretary of State’s Florida Main Street Awards Program. The awards were presented during the Florida Main Street Annual Awards Banquet, held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. These statewide honors recognize outstanding leadership and storytelling in support of downtown revitalization.

Paul Revere Local Leader of the Year

Debbie Manns, City Manager

City Manager Debbie Manns has been named the Paul Revere Local Leader of the Year for her visionary leadership, steadfast advocacy, and extraordinary commitment to Downtown New Port Richey.

Debbie has been an invaluable partner to New Port Richey Main Street, consistently championing historic preservation, economic vitality, thoughtful growth, and community engagement. Her collaborative leadership has strengthened the relationship between the City of New Port Richey and Main Street, helping turn shared ideas into meaningful projects and lasting improvements.

Her influence can be seen throughout downtown—from public art initiatives such as Tides of Time to major capital improvements like the transformation of Railroad Square. These projects have created dynamic public spaces where residents gather, visitors linger, and local businesses flourish.

What truly sets Debbie apart is her genuine enthusiasm for downtown’s success and her willingness to work alongside Main Street leadership, volunteers, business owners, community partners, and city staff. She understands that successful revitalization is built through collaboration and guided by a shared vision.

Debbie recognizes that historic downtown is more than a collection of buildings—it is the cultural and economic heart of the community. Through her leadership and unwavering belief in New Port Richey’s potential, she has helped build remarkable momentum for a stronger, more vibrant downtown.

Thomas Paine Telling Your Story Award

New Port Richey Main Street’s Marketing and Communications Program

New Port Richey Main Street has also received the Thomas Paine Telling Your Story Award for its Marketing and Communications Program, led by Executive Director Nathan Ward.

Through a cohesive strategy encompassing the organization’s website, newsletters, social media, event promotion, and community storytelling, New Port Richey Main Street has transformed the way it shares its mission and celebrates Downtown New Port Richey.

The organization’s website has become a central resource for residents and visitors seeking information about downtown businesses, special events, volunteer opportunities, and community initiatives. Regular newsletters help residents, business owners, volunteers, investors, and community partners remain connected to Main Street’s accomplishments and upcoming programs.

Across social media, New Port Richey Main Street has developed an active and authentic presence that showcases the people, businesses, events, preservation efforts, and partnerships driving downtown’s continued momentum. From Fourth Friday Block Parties and public art projects to business success stories and volunteer recognition, these communications help tell the broader story of a community working together.

Most importantly, the program connects each story to the larger purpose behind Main Street’s work. By highlighting the relationship between historic preservation, economic vitality, placemaking, tourism, and community engagement, these efforts demonstrate the important role New Port Richey Main Street plays in the continued growth and success of downtown.

A Shared Achievement for Downtown New Port Richey

These two awards reflect the power of partnership and storytelling. Debbie Manns’ leadership has helped create the environment in which transformative ideas can take root, while New Port Richey Main Street’s communications program ensures that the people, projects, and progress behind downtown’s success are seen and celebrated.

New Port Richey Main Street is honored to receive this statewide recognition and proud to share it with the city leaders, businesses, volunteers, partners, residents, and supporters who continue to believe in the future of Downtown New Port Richey.