News

City Receives $75,000 Grant to help Businesses Take it Outside

Thursday, October 1, 2020

Funds Will Help Restaurants Extend Their Outdoor Dining Season With Space Heaters , Tents

NEWPORT, R.I. (Thursday, October 1, 2020) – The City of Newport has been awarded $75,000 from the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation to help local restaurants “Take it Outside” this fall.

The grant, which was announced Thursday, Oct. 1st, is part of Commerce Rhode Island’s Take it Outside Initiative, a statewide effort designed to encourage and increase outdoor activities in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Read more »

Drought Conditions Prompt Water System Flushing

Thursday, September 17, 2020

NEWPORT, R.I. – With Rhode Island now under a statewide Drought Advisory, the Newport Water Division will be conducting low-flow flushing of the City’s water distribution system beginning Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 in order to help improve its Newport customers’ water quality. Read more »

Easton’s Beach Moves into the Shoulder Season

Thursday, September 3, 2020

NEWPORT, R.I. (Thursday, September 3, 2020) – As the summer season comes to a close, the City of Newport is reminding residents that parking enforcement will remain in effect at Easton’s Beach through Oct. 31st.

Beachgoers are reminded to continue to use the self-pay parking kiosks, avoid crowds, and wear a face mask whenever social distancing is not possible. For those traveling to the beach by car, please be advised that parking capacity will be limited in an effort to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Read more »

City Launching new Mobile Parking App

Tuesday, September 1, 2020

Residents, Visitors Encouraged to Pay to Park from their Phones with the Passport Parking App
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (Tuesday, September 1, 2020) – Newport residents and visitors have a new way to pay for parking as the City of Newport on Monday announced the debut of a new citywide contactless mobile payment application. 

The new Passport Parking App, which is set to be rolled out later this week, allows users to conveniently pay for and monitor their parking sessions directly from their smartphones. Read more »

Easton’s Beach Closing in Advance of Tropical Storm Isaias

Monday, August 3, 2020

Beach to remain off-limits on Tuesday
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (Monday, August 3, 2020) – Easton’s Beach will be closed on Tuesday in advance of Tropical Storm Isaias.

Residents and visitors are advised that the beach parking lots will be closed at the end of the day on Monday, and swimming will be strictly prohibited all day Tuesday.

To guard against a potential storm surge, recently installed electronic pay stations and lifeguard chairs will also be removed and sandbags put in place around the Rotunda.

Depending on the track of the storm, beach staff are hopeful that operations will resume Wednesday, Aug. 5^th, however re-opening may be delayed based on the severity of cleanup.

We thank you for your cooperation as we prepare for this first tropical storm of the season.    Read more »

Harbormaster’s Office Set to Crack Down on Violations

Friday, July 31, 2020

Vessel Operators Could Face Fines of up to $300
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (Friday, July 31, 2020) – The City of Newport is advising boaters to expect increased enforcement in and around Newport Harbor beginning this weekend.

As the summer season’s peak draws more vessels into the harbor, the Harbormaster’s Office will be stepping up patrols for boaters violating the City’s No Wake Zones and other infractions, with fines ranging from $50 to $300. Read more »

From Land and Sea, Newport Stepping up COVID-19 Enforcement

Friday, July 31, 2020

Visitors Urged to Wear Masks, Adhere to Social Distancing Rules

NEWPORT, R.I. (Friday, July 31, 2020) – Ahead of what would have normally been one of the busiest weekends of the summer, the City of Newport is again taking steps to increase its COVID-19 related enforcement measures.

Historically, the last weekend in July has marked the kickoff to the Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals, with the City welcoming tens of thousands of music fans to historic Fort Adams and Newport Harbor. And while this year’s festivals have gone virtual, City officials are still preparing for an influx of visitors that is expected to quickly fill up the City’s downtown shopping district, harbor, and beaches.

Read more »

City Playgrounds to Reopen

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Users are reminded to take precautions while using equipment
 
NEWPORT, R.I. (Tuesday, July 21, 2020) – Following guidance provided by State Health officials, City staff will begin a phased reopening of playground equipment later this week.
Crews will be on site reinstalling swing sets and removing barriers installed as part of the City’s COVID-19 response beginning Wednesday, July 22^nd. Read more »

City Mourns Passing of Former Mayor Paul L. Gaines, Sr.

Friday, June 26, 2020

Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in honor of New England’s First African American Mayor

NEWPORT, R.I. (Friday, June 26, 2020) – Flags at Newport City Hall have been lowered to half-staff to honor the life of former Mayor and City Councilor Paul Gaines, Sr.

As an educator, coach, and community leader, Mayor Gaines was a pillar of the Newport community and a role model to generations of island residents. In 1981, he was elected by his peers on the City Council as the first African American mayor in New England.

Read more »

Canvassing Office Set to Accept Candidate Declarations

Thursday, June 18, 2020

Newport Residents Encouraged to Run for Office

NEWPORT, R.I. (Wednesday, June 17, 2020) – The City of Newport is reminding all Newport residents interested in running for office in the upcoming November election that they must file a Declaration of Candidacy with the City’s board of canvassers between June 22 and June 24. Read more »