The Cultural Affairs Committee is an official committee of the City of New Port Richey, established primarily to advise the City Council on cultural programming, initiatives, projects, and related requests. Members of the Cultural Affairs Committee are appointed by the City Council and serve a two-year term. The Library Director serves as the city liaison.
At the February 19, 2025, Cultural Affairs Committee meeting, Susie Saxe presented a proposal to showcase the documentary film "The Skyway Bridge Disaster" along with a related informational presentation by Robert Raiola, a search and rescue SCUBA diver who participated in emergency operations at the Skyway Bridge.
After discussing this historical event that impacted the people in this region as well as throughout the nation, the committee voted in favor of recommending that this proposal be forwarded to the City Council for full funding consideration. Susie Saxe recused herself from voting due to a conflict of interest, as she is currently employed by the Richey Suncoast Theater.
If approved, "The Skyway Bridge Disaster" documentary film and Robert Raiola's presentation will occur at 2 pm on April 27, 2025, at the Richey Suncoast Theatre. The event is free and open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The attached Funding Support Request for Cultural Initiatives and Events form, along with information about the "Skyway Disaster" documentary film, is submitted for the City Council's review.