Gulf. These Fish Camps were actual
houses built on stilts in the Gulf of
Mexico in Port Richey. Cash thought it
was the greatest place to fish and relax.
STILT HOUSES
The early history of the stilt houses off
the Coast of Pasco County is unclear.
The first stilt houses were thought to
have been erected between 1916 and
1918 to shelter fishermen and store the
mullet they caught in nets, which is why
many refer to them as fishing camps. At
one point in time there were roughly 24
stilt houses off the coast of Port Richey,
until Hurricane Gladys destroyed
almost all of them in October 1968.
Some of the owners were allowed to
rebuild and through the years had to
fight for their rights to keep their
fishing camps.
These camps serve as a get away from
the everyday hustle and bustle, and
hectic work schedules. To this day you
will see the houses full of friends and
families on the weekends with their
boats parked out front and dinner on
the grill. The inside of the houses have
kitchens, beds and couches and are
fully functional through the use of gas.
OLD HOLLYWOOD
In the 1920’s it seemed
possible that New Port
Richey, Florida, might
become another
Hollywood. Silent screen,
Broadway and motion
picture stars were
purchasing property and
building mansions on the
Pithlachascotee River,
while many other stars stayed at the
Hacienda Hotel. There were plans for
films to be made in the area and for a
theatre to go up. Unfortunately, the
actors’ hair and makeup couldn’t hold
up to the Florida humidity. New Port
Richey wasn’t the next Hollywood, but
at least it could be a winter residence
for Hollywood stars.
HISTORY & ENTERTAINMENT
Visit Pasco Destination Guide 49