Public Works employees restored the fountain at the historic Hacienda Hotel in New Port Richey to working order this week. The Hacienda is moving closer to a renovation as part of an economic deal between the city and developers interested in opening the Hacienda as a boutique hotel.

The renovations are supported by a $1 million 2014 budget item from the Florida Legislature to restore the historic hotel. The project is projected to take more than two years. The agreement between the City and the developers was signed informally at an event at the Hacienda in 1920s themed attire. The agreement was later finalized.