NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — Golf carts can now cross one of the busiest roads in the area: U.S. 19.

What You Need To Know

  • The city of New Port Richey started allowing crossings in July on U.S. 19 and Gulf Drive

  • The city made the change as many golf cart users were looking to get to and from downtown and other areas east of U.S. 19

  • The city had to get permission from the state

  • New Port Richey is also planning a crossing at Marine Parkway

The city of New Port Richey started allowing crossings in July on U.S. 19 and Gulf Drive.

The city made the change as many golf cart users were looking to get to and from downtown and other areas east of U.S. 19. 

The new crossing comes at a welcome time for Shaffer’s American Custom Golf Carts, which is now expanding its business into New Port Richey.

Co-owner Raquel Gallo says many customers ask about crossing U.S. 19.

“All of our customers on the other side of 19 want to venture into more of the small communities, where you have more restaurants, grocery stores, things like that,” Gallo said.

The state had to give permission to the city to allow the crossing after a traffic study. Part of the approval process was the addition of golf cart signs to the intersection.

But it does come with some safety concerns due to the high speeds and amount of crashes on U.S. 19 in Pasco County. Gallo reminds her customers to be safe.

“As we know, 19 can be dangerous. We do recommend people use precaution when they cross. Golf carts come with seatbelts. I would ensure they use their seatbelts and their blinkers are fully functioning,” Gallo said.

New Port Richey is also planning a crossing at Marine Parkway, which would let golf cart users from Gulf Harbors cross U.S. 19.