Tides Seafood Market and Provision sources as locally as possible for its oyster po’ boys At his business, Tides Seafood Market and Provision chef and co-owner Jon Walker works with local vendors to sell the freshest products possible in Safety Harbor and Florida grown vegetables into “damn delicious” dishes in the market’s kitchen “Having that market-first mentality means that we’re always going to have something really cool to play with,” Walker explains where he worked in kitchens for years before attending culinary school he’s frying up freshly shucked Gulf oysters for tangy remoulade sauce-coated oyster po’ boys and grilling blackened grouper or yellowtail snapper dusted with house Creole seasoning Tides has also become famous in the seafood-rich St Pete-Clearwater area for its crawfish arancini with thousands being prepared for catering events each week Beyond knowing how to make flavorful New Orleans-style dishes Walker is very intentional about how he sources each ingredient and product in the store “Florida isn’t necessarily seen as a culinary destination but Florida has a lot to offer,” Walker says “Our philosophy is that we want to use the best that we can and nationally third.” He carries (and cooks with) those local products whenever possible but outsources when necessary including sourcing dry-aged steaks from Chicago and bread from New Orleans-based Leidenheimer Baking Company for his po’ boys Walker is excited to be a part of the culinary scene of “really great chefs” growing in St “We’ve been open three years and I’m really interested to see what the next three Watch the latest episode of Experts to see Walker breakdown deliveries of fresh fish and beef as he cooks up the market’s signature dishes The freshest news from the food world every day Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — Neighbors are concerned about crossing a busy road in Palm Harbor Carla Schutte has lived in Palm Harbor for 20 years She says the increasing traffic on Nebraska Avenue makes it difficult to cross She’s talking about the crosswalk on Nebraska Avenue and Sunray Drive She says she feels there’s not enough warning for drivers that pedestrians are trying to cross “I have problems taking my car across this intersection Schutte points out how faded the markings on the crosswalk are She also says some of the road signs are hard to see for drivers Owner Carrie Helm says she’d also love to have a safer crossing for her residents “We have residents that are very independent,” Helm said “They walk and use wheelchairs and walkers to go over there And we want them to be able to do that safer.” Helm and Schutte say they feel that better markings and the addition of flashing lights would make the crosswalk stand out more to drivers Pinellas County officials say there is a roadway and drainage improvement project planned for Nebraska Avenue Plans include a roundabout nearby at Nebraska and 16th Street the county will now review the crosswalk to see if any improvements should be made “People will start using it more if they’re going to feel safe They’ve stopped using this crosswalk because they don’t feel safe,” Schutte said who replaced Sundie Seefried this year at the helm of the cannabis banking pioneer has cut costs and seeks to rebound after the company’s loss nearly tripled last year The new CEO of Safe Harbor Financial is doubling down on marketing and sales efforts to increase awareness of the company and grow its customer base The fintech – which works with banks and credit unions serving cannabis industry businesses as well as the businesses themselves – is looking to jump-start growth after reevaluating its strategy He became CEO in February after predecessor Sundie Seefried retired “Marketing is a key aspect of what we need to do,” he said more financial institutions and more cannabis-related businesses have to know that Safe Harbor is an option for them.” Cannabis banking services have risen in recent years as a number of states have legalized marijuana recreationally or medically while it remains an illegal Many lenders can be reluctant to bank the industry due to risk and compliance burdens Golden, Colorado-based Safe Harbor, established in 2015 as the cannabis banking arm of Partner Colorado Credit Union, was spun out in 2021 and taken public in 2022 by a special-purpose acquisition company Part of the reason for that move was so Safe Harbor could work with more financial institutions The fintech is a couple of years behind on that strategy so “the goal here is to go implement the business plan,” he said Less than 10% of some 8,800 financial institutions in the U.S Safe Harbor counts about six on its platform and Mendez hopes to grow that to 20 to 25 in three years About 97% of the fintech’s revenue still comes through its relationship with PCCU and I’d love to be able to expand the number of financial institutions that trust Safe Harbor to deliver compliance,” as well as provide services that create stickiness for their depositors Safe Harbor has processed about $25 billion in deposit transactions for cannabis-related businesses in 41 states and U.S The company works with hundreds of cannabis industry firms Mendez sought to cut costs “fast.” He was initially brought in as a consultant by Seefried who asked him to evaluate the company’s strategy and team and assess how Safe Harbor could bolster revenue and reduce expenses PCCU’s former CEO and Safe Harbor’s founder That endeavor resulted in what Mendez has referred to as a “mini modification” of the company to shave costs cutting about nine employees and pausing or eliminating some marketing financial and legal services until the company has a better grasp of what it needs “When we started looking at what we were spending Operating losses and uncertainty surrounding cash flows have raised “substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern” for at least the next year Safe Harbor effected a reverse stock split to avoid Nasdaq delisting – its share price has dropped about 74% over the past year – and modified its debt with PCCU The fintech spent about $3 million paying down that note in 2024 Mendez maintained Safe Harbor is a “healthy” business saying the company’s adjusted earnings before interest depreciation and amortization over the last three years has been positive; it was about $2.9 million last year The fintech has about $2 million in working capital “I don’t see myself going out and doing much more” in terms of restructuring as there’s “not a lot left that’s not core to our business.” The fintech faces some stiff competition, including North Bay Credit Union’s subsidiary Greenbax Marketplace which Mendez said approaches the market similarly to Safe Harbor as well as firms Green Check and Shield Compliance Increasing Safe Harbor’s customer base is key whether the fintech is just handling compliance for financial institutions marketing and opening cannabis-related accounts for those financial institutions The company, which now has just under 40 employees, recently hired a senior vice president of marketing and a vice president of business development and the goal is to have those two closely tied we’ll continue to make investments,” he said Regulatory work is the core of Safe Harbor’s business but growing its network of services will help drive revenue growth and its market share The fintech sees the addition of services for cannabis industry employees as something that can separate it from competitors and it’s also exploring offering earned wage access Safe Harbor announced this month it had struck referral agreements with both The firm more recently added a small-business line of credit program and has originated debt and credit facilities for cannabis companies Safe Harbor also plans to make investments in its core platform to increase the level of automation aimed at making it more effective in cost and compliance Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts The bureau sent reduction-in-force notices to roughly 90% of its staff Thursday with plans to cut off terminated employees’ access to CFPB systems at 6 p.m The longtime central bank governor often served as a vocal counterpoint during Michael Barr's tenure Subscribe to the Banking Dive free daily newsletter The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that owns and operates or has an interest in manufactured housing (MH) and recreational vehicle (RV) communities today announced that it has completed the initial closing (the “Initial Closing”) of the sale of its interests in the Safe Harbor Marinas business (“Safe Harbor”) the largest marina and superyacht servicing business in the United States to an affiliate of Blackstone Infrastructure The transaction accelerates Sun’s strategy of focusing on its core MH and RV portfolio and significantly enhances its leverage profile and financial flexibility Sun’s pre-tax cash proceeds after transaction-related costs are approximately $5.25 billion Pursuant to the terms of the transaction agreement certain properties representing approximately $250 million of value were not part of the Initial Closing The sales of those properties remain subject to the receipt of certain third-party consents which may delay the timing of any such sale or may prevent any such property from being sold at all “I am extremely pleased to announce the completion of the sale of Safe Harbor which expedites our goal of repositioning Sun as a pure-play MH and RV focused company,” said Gary A “We are executing on our stated objectives by taking thoughtful and deliberate actions we believe provide Sun with the strategic focus and financial flexibility to support disciplined growth in our core business we expect to deliver value to shareholders by substantially reducing leverage allocating funds for core asset acquisitions including potential tax-efficient purchases I would like to thank the entire Safe Harbor team for their partnership and wish them continued success in the future.” The Company intends to implement a capital allocation plan that reflects a balanced tax efficient approach to optimize shareholder value through significantly lower leverage greater financial flexibility to drive sustainable cash flow growth Using net proceeds received from the Initial Closing the Company intends to repay approximately $3.3 billion of debt inclusive of estimated prepayment costs This includes repayment of approximately $1.6 billion outstanding under the Company’s senior credit facility and the planned payoff of approximately $740 million of secured mortgage debt that carries a weighted average annual interest rate of 5.3% the Company intends to redeem approximately $950 million of outstanding unsecured senior notes that carry a weighted average coupon of 5.6% which is expected to occur on May 10 The Company intends to manage its balance sheet in a leverage range of approximately 3.5x to 4.5x on a long-term basis the Company expects to generate annualized interest expense savings of approximately $160 million and reduce the weighted average interest rate on Sun's outstanding indebtedness to approximately 3.5% the Company allocated approximately $1.0 billion into 1031 exchange escrow accounts to fund potential future MH and Annual RV acquisitions on a tax efficient basis is subject to successful identification and closing of target acquisitions The Company’s Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $1.0 billion of the Company's outstanding common stock Repurchases under the program may be made at management's discretion from time to time using a variety of methods which may include open market transactions all in accordance with the rules of the SEC and other applicable legal requirements number and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management at its discretion and will depend on a number of factors including the market price of the Company’s stock and compliance with the terms of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time at the Company’s discretion acted as lead financial advisor and BofA Securities BMO Capital Markets and Citigroup also acted as financial advisors to the Company Latham & Watkins LLP and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP acted as legal advisors to the Company on the transaction LLC served as communications advisor to the Company The Company is scheduled to report first quarter earnings for 2025 on Monday and to host its earnings call at 11:00am ET on Tuesday the Company expects to provide updated guidance for the remainder of 2025 reflecting the financial impact of the Initial Closing of proceeds known at the time of the earnings announcement CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release contains various "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Company intends that such forward-looking statements will be subject to the safe harbors created thereby any statements contained in this press release that relate to expectations trends or prospective events or developments and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts are deemed to be forward-looking statements Words such as “forecasts,” “intend,” “goal,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “projections,” “plans,” “predicts,” “potential,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “should,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “designed to,” “foreseeable future,” “believe,” “scheduled,” "guidance" "target" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements although not all forward looking statements contain these words These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and financial performance both general and specific to the matters discussed in or incorporated herein some of which are beyond the Company’s control uncertainties and other factors may cause the Company’s actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements In addition to the risks disclosed under “Risk Factors” contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31 and the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time uncertainties and other factors include but are not limited to: Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date the statement was made The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements included or incorporated by reference into this document changes in the Company's expectations or otherwise Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable the Company cannot guarantee future results All written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on the Company's behalf are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements or had an interest in a portfolio of 645 developed properties comprising approximately 176,390 developed sites and approximately 48,760 wet slips and dry storage spaces in the United States Fernando Castro-CaratiniChief Financial Officer(248) 208-2500www.suninc.com This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Safety Harbor is No. 10 on a list of places with thoroughfares that will “steal your heart,” according to results published April 16. “These 10 places with charming main streets — nominated by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — offer more than just a road,” USA Today’s 10Best wrote in its report. “These streets are living history, have a vibrant culture, and serve as the hearts of their communities.” The website 10Best, which publishes vacation-related rankings, said it turned to travel experts and editors to determine the top main streets across the country. Then, members of the public were given a month to vote on their favorites. What makes the Florida main street rank high? On the resulting list of readers’ choice award winners, Safety Harbor was the only place in the Sunshine State to be named a fan favorite. The city of about 17,000, which has been recovering from hurricanes that impacted the Tampa Bay area in 2024, was praised for the setting of its main street. “Safety Harbor is a serene seaside escape,” 10Best wrote in its report. “Most of the dining options along Main Street are between 9th Avenue and the city’s namesake resort and spa. Safety Harbor also has a public market that’s open on Sundays, which is definitely worth the visit.” The Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce on its website said the city’s Main Street “harkens back to yesteryear” but has “plenty of modern conveniences.” The street is at the center of downtown, which is home to restaurants, shops and public spaces offering views of the Old Tampa Bay waterfront. Safety Harbor received the honor less than a month after it earned a spot on another 10Best list. In those rankings, it was named one of the best small towns to visit in the South, McClatchy News reported. This time around, 10Best said the nation’s most-beloved main street was in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a roughly 60-mile drive northwest from Philadelphia. In addition to main streets, 10Best named the nation’s other top-ranked “community spaces.” Here are the Florida winners from other categories: Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland at No. 1 for best park * Lake Eola Park in Orlando at No. 4 for best park * Tampa Riverwalk at No. 2 for best riverwalk * Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale at No. 7 for best riverwalk * Withlacoochee State Trail at No. 2 for best trail * Barrier Free Park in Boynton Beach at No. 9 for best playground In the past, 10Best has told McClatchy News it doesn’t reveal the number of people who vote in its contests. “This is a security initiative that just makes good sense The department quickly invested in the concept we’ve had an enthusiastic response from local merchants,” Figueroa noted “Many of them already feel a strong connection to MUSC and see this as a natural extension of their role in the community.” The concept is simple: Participating neighborhood businesses display a Safe Harbor window decal signaling that their location is a safe place to stop in if people need help are being followed or threatened or just need a moment to gather themselves Staff at these businesses are prepared to call 911 if needed and to notify MUSC Dispatch that an MUSC community member has sought help offering a seat inside or simply providing a reassuring presence these businesses serve as informal extensions of MUSC’s commitment to safety In the first weeks of the program’s launch the Detective Squad has secured commitments from six local businesses with interest from many more and ambitious plans to expand DPS Officer Douglas Gellard joins Figueroa said that while MUSC’s Department of Public Safety has jurisdiction on campus Safe Harbor bridges the gap between MUSC and off-campus sites – where public safety concerns can affect the MUSC community but fall outside the direct reach of campus police “While we don’t have jurisdiction outside University grounds,” Wood said “this allows us still to provide resources Figueroa explained that once MUSC Dispatch is alerted to a Safe Harbor interaction and the MUSC Detective Squad initiates a formal response ensuring that the individual receives follow-up care while assessing whether further investigation or coordination with outside law enforcement is warranted The program is voluntary for participating businesses Any business can withdraw at any time by removing the Safe Harbor sticker said Safe Harbor arrives at a time when public safety is top of mind across the country He sees tremendous potential for its success care team members heading home after night shifts or faculty members navigating the downtown area on foot simply knowing there’s a nearby safe harbor can make all the difference.” “Safe Harbor is helping us to fill a gap and remain involved with our people that small sticker carries a big message: You are not alone.” His goal is to expand participation further into the city starting with the busy area around King and Meeting streets He’s also aiming to engage businesses with later hours – including those open 24/7 he envisions the program covering the entire peninsula The DPS team reminds everyone that campus safety is still a No and Wood encourages all members of the MUSC community to take an active role in keeping campus safe by downloading the DPS app “I always say that the MUSC LiveSafe app is the most important safety resource you can have on your phone,” he said The app allows users to send anonymous tips via text photo or video and features one-touch access to MUSC Public Safety and 911 anywhere in the country a virtual tool that allows friends or peers to monitor each other’s movements in real time sending alerts if someone doesn’t arrive at their destination as expected the app is free and available on all major mobile platforms The team said Safe Harbor is the next logical step in expanding their on-campus safety mission into the broader community Figueroa would like to explore the possibility of including other institutions “I believe Safe Harbor has the potential to be of great value – not just to MUSC stakeholders – but for the entire city.” pointing to the team’s broader vision “There’s no limit to the potential of this program We are always looking to change what’s possible.” A Dukes County Superior Court case is still ongoing Oak Bluffs’ failed appeal against the Green Villa blew more wind into the sails of the developers behind a 100-unit residential development planned on 7.78 acres near Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School The Massachusetts Housing Appeals Committee ruled on April 24 that Oak Bluffs did not have safe harbor a status that allows municipalities to block special permits for 40B affordable housing projects The Oak Bluffs zoning board of appeals will now need to take up the comprehensive permit application again for Green Villa which is already before the Martha’s Vineyard Commission “This means the town cannot delay the permit process any longer and will have up to 180 days to review and make recommendations for the project,” William Cumming Last month’s ruling affirms a state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities’ decision in July that the town did not have safe harbor The town board had subsequently appealed the state decision chair of the Oak Bluffs zoning board of appeals According to the appeals committee’s decision the town argued that it had safe harbor based on a housing production plan that included Island Housing Trust’s 60-unit affordable housing project Tackenash Knoll The board believed that it had safe harbor based on its approval of a comprehensive permit for Southern Tier which would contribute the town’s subsidized housing inventory and represent over 2 percent of the town’s total housing stock After Cumming challenged the safe harbor claim with the state in June the town zoning board received a letter in July from the Executive Office of Housing and Liveable Communities “suspending its safe harbor status as of May 17 because the Southern Tier project had not secured a building permit within one year of the issuance of its comprehensive permit,” the appeals committee decision reads The Island Housing Trust project had not secured a building permit by May 19 two days after the town’s housing production plan certification period ended Cumming submitted a comprehensive permit application on May 20 Still, the town argued that since the project was deemed a development of regional impact, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission Act of 1977 nullifies the zoning board’s power to act on the project until the commission completes its review process The zoning board wanted the comprehensive permit review clock to start after the commission’s review was completed and not on the date Cumming submitted his application saying the legislation suspends “applicable statutory time periods for municipal actions while a project is undergoing MVC review.” rejected the arguments made by the Oak Bluffs board stating the board’s clock began ticking once Cumming submitted the application and that the town zoning officials had opened a public hearing in June “The MVC Act states the board can only grant a permit after MVC has granted ‘permission’ but is silent on whether a board is prohibited from processing and hearing an application during MVC’s review period,” Lisa V the housing appeals committee presiding officer “This decision by the State HAC is the second loss for the town which has claimed credit for affordable housing that they have not begun building,” Cumming said “The decision also confirms the minimum level of affordable housing under the law is not being built.” The project is still undergoing review by the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and officials of the regulatory body say the appeals committee’s decision has no sway over its process “The HAC’s decision leaves undisturbed what has been the status quo over the last nearly 50 years: 40B projects that meet the standards and criteria for Developments of Regional Impact (DRIs) under the MVC Act are subject to DRI review by the MVC and the town may not grant a comprehensive permit until such DRI review has been completed,” Adam Turner Martha’s Vineyard Commission executive director Still, there is an ongoing civil case the Oak Bluffs zoning board initiated in October arguing similar issues over timing of the comprehensive permit process like with the state housing agencies The board members also claimed the developers were trying to circumvent the usual Vineyard special permit process The case also puts a spotlight on the status of the commission’s authority which the Oak Bluffs board argues is a “regional decision-making body” and not a “local board.” This gives the commission more authority in resisting projects like 40B housing projects as it needs to consider the impact to the whole Island A resolution has not been reached so far in the case “It will be interesting to see how they explain to the court why they initiated their lawsuit and/or want to continue,” Cumming said I’m so tired of rich developers bullying their way around under the guise of helping people These local stories continue to be of great interest to me as I spend a substantial amount of time away from Martha’s Vineyard which remains a second home dear to our hearts William Cumming is no friend of the island and is just another greedy developer wanting to make as much money as possible for his family and friends to the detriment of the island Edgartown should take notice as they are next in the crosshair of this cabal willing to do whatever it takes to line their pockets “in this house we believe”…… and website in this browser for the next time I comment The MV Times comment policy requires first and last name for all comments COMMUNITY PARTNER Stay connected to All Things Good in the Burg by subscribing today Since I Love the Burg launched in May of 2009 and USA Today’s panel of experts selected 20 of the best these towns offer something special—and Safety Harbor stands out among them Downtown Safety Harbor is a hub of activity, filled with unique shops, delicious eateries, and vibrant art galleries. Events like the Third Friday celebrations and the Sunday Farmers Market make it a welcoming destination for visitors and locals alike For a quirky and colorful experience, head to Whimzeyland (1206 3rd St.) a home transformed into an art wonderland by local artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda and bright sculptures create a one-of-a-kind sight Book lovers will enjoy Portkey Books (404 Main St.) an independent bookstore that started as a pop-up and now offers a curated selection of reads in an intimate setting They even offer free delivery within Safety Harbor Outdoor enthusiasts should explore Philippe Park (2525 Philippe Pkwy.) The park is also home to Tampa Bay’s largest surviving temple mound a historic site recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1964 Foodies won’t want to miss NONA Slice House (997 Main St.) It is known for its massive Detroit and New York-style pizzas including the “Death by Pepperoni” Detroit-style pie For a unique dinner-and-a-movie experience, stop by Gigglewaters (727 Main St.) This 1920s-inspired restaurant and movie theater serves up Wagyu beef burgers It has also been voted Best Cocktails in Pinellas County for two years running You can also treat yourself to some of the best seafood ever at Tides Seafood Market (305 Main St.) This beloved family-owned gem blends the charm of a nostalgic general store with the freshness of locally sourced seafood and provisions who combined her passion for farmers’ markets with his 17 years of experience in seafood distribution welcoming space filled with artisanal products and a menu inspired by Jon’s culinary roots in New Orleans each showcasing the Walkers’ dedication to quality and flavor A visit to The Tides is as much about savoring exceptional food as it is about experiencing genuine Southern hospitality You got our vote it’s being combined with a new event—a Golf Cart Cruise-In Main Street in Safety Harbor will be closed down so folks can play mini-golf and visit Main Street’s terrific restaurants Those wanting to register for the Golf Cart Cruise In can learn more here Registration includes parking space for your golf cart on Main Street and a goodie bag with special offers from local businesses Carts can compete in one of four decoration categories – Harbor Life There will be prizes for Judges’ Choice and Peoples’ Choice in each category The Harbor Bar after party begins promptly at 6 p.m Visit the Safety Harbor Library: 101 2nd St N Gulfport faced unprecedented damage as Hurricane Helene tracked west of Pinellas County on Sept including parts of Gulfport’s residential and business districts Among the structural casualties elsewhere in Pinellas County was Safety Harbor’s pier Similar to the present and former Gulfport Casinos and Williams Pier on Boca Ciega Bay Safety Harbor’s municipal pier and its predecessors have been popular gathering places along Old Tampa Bay for more than a century Some news reports incorrectly described the pier as dating back to the early 1900s Earlier piers had occupied this coastline since the late 1800s The pier damaged and closed due to Tropical Storm Debby in early August and subsequently destroyed by Helene was built after another notable storm An early settlement took shape near Espiritu Santo Springs Five artesian springs attracted attention from ancestors of the Seminole and Miccosukee long before Spanish conquistadors came to Florida Green arrived at present-day Safety Harbor in the 1860s He and his wife Mary moved their family to the area from Georgia They farmed in a remote area near the springs the springs remained free for people to use and enjoy An early pier protruded into Old Tampa Bay before 1900 At a time when only sand and dirt paths connected the Pinellas peninsula with Tampa boats regularly docked at this pier to bring mail and supplies The earliest pier stood at the end of Main Street This area became the place where people traveled to and from Tampa similar to the way that boats from the Casino transported people to and from Pass-a-Grille before bridges existed More than a fishing pier and place to enjoy the sunrise over Old Tampa Bay the pier supported commercial fishing operations and local businesses Mullet and other fish caught in the bay hung at the nearby wharf Boat passengers stopped at the springs for a drink of water northernmost reaches of Old Tampa Bay had a rich abundance of oyster beds the settlement also carried the names Espiritu Santo Springs and Safety Harbor spring waters fed a popular 46-foot long swimming pool and other amenities near the pier Regular railroad service reached the area in 1914 when a depot opened on Main Street and Ninth Avenue the expanding community officially changed its name to Safety Harbor to avoid confusion with Green Cove Springs Free access to most of the springs had ended as the area became a resort The Espiritu Springs facility included mineral baths and massages City Commissioners approved an expansion of dock and pier facilities a new warehouse on the pier expanded commercial fishing opportunities in Safety Harbor A significant hurricane slammed into the Pinellas coastline near Tarpon Springs on Oct this hurricane caused extensive damage throughout the region Catastrophic storm surges flooded areas along Tampa Bay and Boca Ciega Bay The hurricane devastated the Gulfport Casino Strong winds and tides also crushed the pier at Safety Harbor The surge ripped the dance hall from the end of the pier This structure floated into buildings near the springs and into the heart of Safety Harbor The hurricane obliterated the bathhouse and other simple recreational structures near the pier An Espiritu Santo Springs building where mineral water was once sold remained Safety Harbor’s City leaders chose to build a replacement pier south of the original one No longer would a direct path connect Main Street to Old Tampa Bay the springs become part of a sanatorium and spa New buildings replaced the simple ones damaged by the hurricane as the community became a boom-era resort The rebuilt pier served as a recreational gathering place The reconfigured pier at Safety Harbor became a popular destination to enjoy sunrises along Old Tampa Bay the local Civic League took over the pier’s maintenance in October 1933 This happened after the City could not meet funding obligations to maintain the pier during the Great Depression The landscape on the horizon began to change by this time Dredges started to connect the Bayview area of Clearwater with Tampa’s Rocky Point Davis opened his privately built causeway in June 1934 as a toll road Davis Causeway later became the toll-free Courtney Campbell Causeway Florida Power built a new electrical plant this plant was dedicated by Florida Power (now Duke Energy) in November 1951 Similar to Tampa Electric Company’s Big Bend Station at Apollo Beach areas around Safety Harbor and Mobbly Bay became safe gathering grounds for manatees during winter months The Higgins Plant went offline in the 1990s Safety Harbor’s 1920s-era pier remained in place for more than 60 years before facing another storm Occasional repairs kept the pier in good shape including extensive renovations in early 1973 Hurricane Elena gained intensity in the Gulf of Mexico Similar to Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene This Category 3 storm stalled 80 miles west of the coast for a day Elena prompted massive evacuations just before Labor Day weekend in 1985 More than 300,000 people left their Pinellas homes; more than half of them stayed at local shelters By the time the storm passed to the west of Pinellas on Sept Wooden planks from Safety Harbor’s pier floated a mile north Little remained of the pier after the storm Elena also destroyed the Big Indian Rocks Fishing Pier Known as “the longest fishing pier in Florida” when it opened in June 1959 most of this privately owned 1041-foot structure collapsed into the Gulf of Mexico by Sept Crews dismantled what remained a couple of years later Knowing the value of Safety Harbor’s pier as a community destination Workers built the structure recently destroyed by Helene in early 1986 at a cost of $88,000 The pier extended approximately 420 feet into the bay It included an expanded fishing area at the end The City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in June 1986 and planned to reopen it to the public after one final inspection in early July a man drove a stolen 1981 Ford Escort to the covered fishing area at the end of the pier poured flammable accelerants on the vehicle The pier finally reopened after additional repairs and the placement of barriers to keep other vehicles off the structure this gathering place was renamed in honor of Dick Brock the City’s fire marshal from 1980 until 2016 Similar to Gulfport’s Casino, Bert and Walter Williams Pier, and Veteran’s Park, the Fire Marshal Dick Brock Memorial Pier anchors a recreational area that includes the Safety Harbor Waterfront Park The Brock Memorial Pier closed after Tropical Storm Debby The City originally planned to start replacing the pier later this year Hurricane Helene sent much of the debris into Mullet Creek and Waterfront Park the timeline for reopening the pier remains uncertain Priorities are elsewhere as recovery takes place its connections to Safety Harbor’s history remain strong by James Schnur Support The Gabber Newspaper Your donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law The Florida Community News Fund is a program administered by the Florida Press Foundation All donations made at this link go to The Gabber Newspaper through the Florida Press Association 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Gulfport Casino Webcam Gulfport Beach Webcam Marina East Webcam Marina West Webcam Downtown Gulfport Webcam © 2025 All Rights Reserved | The Gabber Newspaper FloridaServing South Pinellas County and our Gulf Beaches in Florida including South Pasadena A weekly roundup of notable local real estate news A three-bedroom, three-bath mixed-use property in downtown Safety Harbor, built in 1936 and referred to as the “Gingerbread House,” sold Dec. 18 for $1.165 million, $35,000 below the list price. Located at 136 and 138 4th Avenue N. offers two separate residences with a combined 2,039 square feet of living space was built in 1936 and has 989 heated square feet It features restored original hardwood floors; a living room with a brick wall and a wood-burning fireplace; a kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances modern fixtures and granite countertops; a washer and dryer tucked away in a laundry closet; two bedrooms; and two baths – one with a clawfoot tub and the other with a glass-enclosed shower Outdoors is an expansive back porch and a landscaped courtyard shaded by a large oak tree The back home features 1,050 heated square feet with one bedroom and one bath An open living area includes a kitchen with granite countertops an island and a breakfast bar; a bath with custom tilework and a frameless glass shower; a full-sized laundry room; French doors leading out to an enclosed outdoor space; and covered parking for two cars represented by Chase Walseth with Keller Williams Realty had purchased the property in 2021 for $1 million The buyer was represented by Greg Balsamello with TRP Real Estate Group A five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath residence at 1535 Manor Way S. Located on the Pink Streets in the Greater Pinellas Point neighborhood It has 5,236 heated square feet of living space and is situated on a 0.57-acre corner lot The arched entry off the circular driveway leads to the 2,885 square-foot main level offering a great room with a marble fireplace a sitting room and a gourmet kitchen with shaker-style cabinetry and a large island breakfast bar Also on this floor is a large multi-purpose media or game room All the bedrooms are located on the 2,351 square-foot second floor The owner’s suite features a large walk-in closet a modern bath with dual vanities and a glass shower enclosure with multiple rain shower heads A second bedroom suite provides a large closet system and a full bath The third and fourth bedrooms share a full bath and the fifth bedroom features vaulted cross-beam ceilings Outdoors is a detached 506 square-foot garage a 2,000 square-foot travertine paver deck surrounding the pool and spa a 300 square-foot covered area for lounging and entertaining and a dedicated pool bath with dual vanities and a glass shower enclosure represented by Dania Perry with Century 21 Real Estate purchased the property in 2022 for $850,000 A single-family home, along with a detached apartment, situated on a 1.60-acre, 10-lot property, has listed for sale with an asking price of $1.9 million. Located at 7600 138th St. one-story main home was built in 1973 and features four bedrooms The apartment has a kitchen and private entry The fully-fenced property includes several outbuildings that can be designed for many uses an outdoor cooking space for entertaining and lush foliage and landscaping that offers privacy from other homes Additional features include a carport with parking for two vehicles a security system and 766 square feet of screened-in and open porch spaces The seller purchased the property in 1996 for $320,000 The listing is provided by Mari Davis with Re/Max Marketing Specialists 3102 50th Street S and a vacant plot on 49th Street S. A waterfront residential development property with addresses at 4990 31st Avenue S., 4944 31st Avenue S., 3102 50th Street S. and a vacant plot on 49th Street S. has listed for sale with an undisclosed price The 5.67 acres span over four parcels of land with waterfront views of Boca Ciega Bay Utilities are available at the site and R-3 zoning allows for the development of 10 units per acre The property is close to Gulfport’s downtown The owner of the vacant plot purchased the property in 1995 and the owner of the remaining parcels purchased one in 1995 for $149,000 the second in 1998 for $290,600 and a third in 1998 for $290,700 This listing is provided by Frank Bozikovich and Scott Clendening with Commercial Partners Realty Seven industrial structures, Buildings A through G, located in a business park at 4756 122 Avenue N. have listed for sale with an asking price of $12.9 million The buildings were completed between 1978 and 1994 and range from 4,500 to 21,160 square feet The combined 92,524 gross square feet sits on a total land area of 6.53 acres Building A has a dock and a fully developed office space A covered overhang is situated between buildings C and D The investment property is being sold vacant and spaces will be available to lease beginning in April 2025 Utilities and taxes are included in the rental fee under the registered name TINZ Industrial Park LLC purchased the combined properties in 2023 for $7.25 million The listing is courtesy of Shawn Hatfield and Mark Hatfield with Charles Rutenberg Realty A two-building property owned by Halls St. Petersburg Wholesale Florist Inc., sold Dec. 16 for $1.6 million, $200,000 below the original asking price. Located at 3101 44th Avenue N. the 0.69-acre parcel of land is situated in the Joe’s Creek Industrial Park Building 2 is a one-story 3,040 square-foot structure built in 1992 Features include two 12-foot roll-up doors providing access to the buildings as well as three eight-foot roll-up doors in the front A 3,500 square-foot mezzanine offers bonus space not included in the total square-footage Six lined parking spaces are located on the south side with a large portion of land available for overflow needs purchased the property in 2006 for $550,000 They were represented by Chris Calhoon with Smith & Associates Real Estate owners of Sammy’s Seafood retail fish market under the registered name KTMIL Investments Real estate agents: Please forward all news for Places This Week to Amy Kagan at amy@stpetecatalyst.com. Thanks Add your idea below. Review Catalyst posting guidelines here. By posting a comment, I have read, understand and agree to the Posting Guidelines Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" Students rocket toward STEM careers at community hub 2025 Florida legislative session extended through June 6 Multiple affordable senior housing projects advance  The Catalyst honors its name by aggregating & curating the sparks that propel the St Pete engine.  It is a modern news platform, powered by community sourced content and augmented with directed coverage your perspective and your spark to the St Pete Catalyst and take your seat at the table Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value" Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2020 The St Petersburg Group Enter the details of the person you want to share this article with Art and Seafood on the Waterfront is happening this weekend -- February 22 and 23 in Safety Harbor juried fine art from over 50 national artists For more information, visit SafetyHarborChamber.com/Art-Seafood-on-the-Waterfront Report a typo local lifestyle show focused on providing our audience with informative It features a variety of community organizations It is a marketing-friendly program dedicated to offering businesses the opportunity to showcase their company/products reach potential customers and gain results Grow Your Business With Us!For Sponsor Information:TBMorningBlend@wfts.com it’s a haven for those who love exploring unique local spots Here’s your ultimate guide to spending 48 hours in this whimsical city For the perfect overnight staycation, check out Safety Harbor Resort and Spa (105 N Bayshore Dr) this gem offers luxurious accommodations with a world-class spa and 50,000 square feet of relaxation amenities It also happens to be Florida’s only natural mineral springs resort spa Pro tip: Inquire about the resort’s special staycation package by contacting them directly or learn more about what’s offered here Start your day at Haven House Coffee Bar (201 Main St Suite 200) Kick things off with gourmet toast or a soothing tea Next, visit Whimzeyland (1206 3rd St.) a kaleidoscope of colors and art created by local artists Todd Ramquist and Kiaralinda this quirky home is a feast for the senses For lunch, head to Daydreamers Cafe and Grill (143 7th Ave N) try the vegan-friendly “womelette” or the hearty Harbor Steak Burger Another great lunch option is the legendary Sandwich Shop on Main (308 Main St) where you’ll find comfort food favorites like melty grilled cheese Book lovers should make a stop at Portkey Books (404 Main Street) The owner of Portkey Books believes that books can transport and connect us After a time operating as a pop-up bookstore intimate bookstore offers a curated selection of reads and even provides free delivery within Safety Harbor Spend your afternoon at Philippe Park (2525 Philippe Pkwy) This historical gem spans 92 acres and is Pinellas County’s oldest park and hike the trails while enjoying waterfront views Dive into the history of the Tocobaga people and the fascinating Safety Harbor Culture at the Temple Mound Home to Tampa Bay’s largest surviving temple mound this historic gem was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1964 making it the ultimate spot for history buffs and curious explorers alike Next, sip Local Brews at Crooked Thumb Brewery (555 10th Ave S) this local favorite serves a variety of brews Fun fact: Safety Harbor is home to one of the best pizza spots in Florida. The NONA Slice House (997 Main St) serves up huge Detroit and New York-style pizzas The “Death by Pepperoni” Detroit-style pie is a must-try dish perfect to cap off a flavorful first day in town Start your second day in Safety Harbor at Cafe Vino Tinto (509 Main St) This farm-to-cup café sources its coffee directly from Costa Rica or a Mediterranean frittata paired with an exquisite cup of coffee For cold brew on the go, visit Brown Bag Coffee Company (930 Harbor Lake Ct) This small-batch coffee roaster offers fair-trade beans from Brazilian family farms Take a bag to-go or enjoy a fresh brew on-site Nature lovers, prepare to be left in awe. Safety Harbor is home to the Historic Baranoff Oak Tree (101 2nd St N) This ancient oak stands tall in Baranoff Park Located near the Safety Harbor Public Library it’s a testament to the city’s deep-rooted heritage No visit to Safety Harbor is complete without a stop at Gigglewaters (727 Main St) This 1920s-inspired restaurant and movie theater serves Wagyu beef burgers This enchanting destination for cinephiles and foodies has been voted Best Cocktails in Pinellas County the last two years in the Visit St Pete-Clearwater Best Of the Destination Awards Walk off your lunch at Folly Farm Nature Preserve (1538 Dr Stroll through butterfly gardens and native flora This peaceful preserve has trails for all nature lovers this brewery offers a taste of local flavor and family heritage Try their selection of craft beers in a warm End your visit with dinner at the Tides Seafood Market (305 Main St) blending the charm of a nostalgic general store with the freshness of locally sourced seafood and provisions who combined her passion for farmers’ markets with his 17 years of experience in seafood distribution Safety Harbor is a small city with big heart Explore more spots Beyond the ‘Burg: Dunedin; Tarpon Springs Fla — After Gabe and Francesca Bauer got married I’d never been to The Vatican,” Francesca said Francesca saw an Instagram post showing The Pope blessing a couple’s marriage And we knew we wanted to do that,” she said where he offered a special blessing for about 50 newlyweds called the Sposi Novelli he was brought one by one to meet with everyone who was there “Once he was about five couples away we realized we had no idea what to say to him And we don’t speak any of those languages,” Francesca said “And all I said was gracias,” Francesca said “And I just said Papa which pretty much was just Pope,” Said Gabe the Bauers say Pope Francis made them feel special and a part of something much bigger That was really incredible,” Francesca said The Bauers say they are among those praying for Pope Francis’ recovery And this is the time I think we want to pray for him the most,” Gabe said and I feel like that's part of where the system failed" Henry Betsey Jr. is facing charges for marrying three Florida women in three different counties at the same time. Now saying the system that handles marriage licenses kept them in the dark From the Grammys to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame the iconic artwork of Peter Max has been seen all over the world you can see some of his highly collected works in Safety Harbor His artwork will be on display at Syd Entel Galleries from February 20-23. For more information, visit SydEntelGalleries.com (WFTS) — Thanksgiving is a holiday traditionally spent with the ones you love most it's things to go away from the family that morning or do it early before we leave or even have them come in," said Safety Harbor firefighter Austin Weiler And for the Safety Harbor heroes like Weiler there's a business community showing their thanks as well spent the day before Thanksgiving preparing and delivering meals to 101 community first responders "It's just so heartwarming to be able to help people out that that really take care of us and you got to take care of the people that take care of the people," said Chris Wicks especially after the last few months we've all had through the hurricanes it feels really good to have the normalcy of just doing what we do every year which is feeding the people who work on the holidays and don't get to spend it with their loved ones," Rachel Fine-Wilson This is the fifth year the two businesses have partnered Weiler remembers the first time he opened one of the Thanksgiving meals I think it was the day right before as well and it was good pick me up at the end of the day," he recalled It takes more than just the two businesses to make the food giveaway happen "I want to commend the community volunteers We had the President the Chamber here today and several other volunteers those are just other people that want to do well and give back to the community Her 10-year-old and 8-year-old children spent their morning helping make it all come to fruition "It's really good to help people at Thanksgiving," said Cash Wilson "It feels really good because a lot of paramedics and firefighters can't get out of work because they have too much saving to do and it's nice to know that we can just feed them and let them know that they're doing really amazing," Billie Wilson added like the value of kindness and how to food prep which will probably be helpful in the future if I take over the business." Latest Pinellas County News from ABC Action News Two firefighters were struck after a car crashed into a fire station in Safety Harbor Friday morning Firefighters were taking part in morning duties on the front apron of Fire Station 53 around 9 a.m Capt. Joseph Hans and Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Craig were both struck, the department shared in a station was flown to a hospital where he is listed in serious but stable condition.  “His wife is with him at this time,” Safety Harbor Fire Chief Andrew Hawkins told WFLA.com during a press conference but he is currently being treated at this time.” was treated for non-life threatening injuries Pinellas County Chief Deputy Paul Halley said the driver of the SUV who one of his deputy's were assisting at the time of the crash Halley told WTSP said the woman's SV was having mechanical issues so the deputy was pushing the vehicle to a safe location but the driver missed that location and drove toward the fire station "She couldn't stop the vehicle and ultimately hit the firefighters and the vehicle...crashed into the building," Halley explained Peter Matthews is the conference director and editor-in-chief of Firehouse serving in various roles on both Firehouse Magazine and Firehouse.com staffs He completed an internship with the Rochester Fire Department and served with fire departments in Rush and was a lieutenant with the Glenwood Fire Company in Glenwood Matthews served as photographer for the St A Safety Harbor Fire Department captain is back home after being hit by an SUV outside a fire station last week Capt. Joseph Hans, 50, and Firefighter/Paramedic Ryan Craig, 36, were struck while they were washing a fire truck Friday morning at Safety Harbor Fire Station 53 on McMullen Booth Road, WTSP reported fire officials wrote in a post on the department's Facebook page The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported a 63-year-old driver was experiencing issues with her car near the fire station The engine was running but her transmission was not working They say a deputy was able to help put her car in neutral and then gave her car a push with his cruiser advising her to pull over on the side of the road.  the driver reportedly lost control of the car and couldn't use the brakes where firefighters were washing a truck outside Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976 Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post Dominic Dominguez ’25 is alone in Drapkin Studio preparing for a tech rehearsal for his debut play a groundbreaking display of audience interaction and a reflection of the ethics of choice This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and concision The Daily Princetonian: Could you talk to us a little bit about the show This show was created because I wanted to create a piece of interactive theater where the audience is at the center of it I learned about “Theater of the Oppressed,” which is created by Augusto Boal One of the main principles of it is breaking down the barrier between spectator and performer and showing that the audience has the power to make change and take action I wanted to create something where the audience is at the center where they’re one of the players and where the actions that they take within the show have real consequences A lot of the style of the show is based on “choose your own adventure” video games It’s really inspired by the “Fallout” series — I don’t know if you’re familiar with that It takes place in the post-apocalypse and an authoritarian commune DD: There’s a lot of ethical choices in it and they stem from the idea that we make our ethical decisions based on social pressures and authoritarian pressures around us There’s a balance between what we really believe and what happens when those values are conflated with people telling you to do something different especially an authority figure telling you to do something different The basic premise of the show is that the world is destroyed by nuclear bombs and then the audience — those who want to participate — move to a commune called Safe Harbor The commune has a bunch of strict rules that they have to follow that are all based around the logic of “these new rules are necessary to survive.” But you have the choice of whether or not you want to actually follow them Safe Harbor is just a kind of — I love Orwellian language — victory cigarettes Naming this thing so that it appears as one thing Safe Harbor sounds like it has the word “safe” in it DP: Is this your first show that you’ve directed?  DP: Is this your first show that you’ve written?  it’s also my first show that I’ve written.  DP: What are you really hoping to tell the audience with the show?  DD: I think that the ideas that I had for it are much more ambitious than what’s going to be accomplished I’ve done a lot over this past year — I spent a year developing a show about what impact art can have in an hour and a half we consume so much art and media and so much just goes in one ear and out the other and I try to think of what things have really changed my trajectory I just want people to reflect more on those pressures that really drive their moral decision making We think about people when people like to think about ethics There aren’t those emotional pressures that come You think about the “trolley problem,” and you’re like I would kill one person to save five.” It’s easy to think of that when you’re in a room talking to somebody but it’s hard to really understand how you would act ethically when those pressures exist Part of this is putting people in those kinds of split-second decisions and getting to simulate how would I — how do I — respond to real ethical decisions people reflect on that later and also realize that a lot of the power they have as an individual is to speak up against things that they don’t believe in.  DP: How will audiences be able to interact in the story?  that person is directing that speech to the audience — they exist But a lot of how the audience will participate is that there’s a scene where jobs are handed out and then those jobs will dictate what role they have in the show there’s a scene that takes place in a hospital and if you were given a role in medical services and the other audience members will cease to exist for a moment DP: Audience members really will have a sense of autonomy.  Are you aware of any shows that have done that before?  DD: There’s probably a lot of experimental shows out there that are very small and not well-known As I’ve talked more and more about this project There’s “Bandersnatch,” which is this Netflix movie that came out where you can make choices I saw this student production that did.” So they probably exist — but just aren’t publicized a lot of my inspiration is based off of video games instead of theater like “Detroit Becomes Human,” “Fallout: New Vegas,” “Red Dead Redemption,” “GTA?” DP: I know the show’s opening in a couple of days but do you have any professional plans for this Any vision of this becoming something larger than a student production Luke Grippo is a contributing writer for The Prospect He is also a staff News writer for the ‘Prince.’ Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com As part of the Tampa Bay region’s Epiphany celebrations AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association) held their Epiphany banquet in Safety Harbor bringing together the Greek Orthodox community to honor their faith and culture Epiphany celebrations have been held in Tarpon Springs a longstanding tradition that brings together Orthodox faithful and invites local community members to participate in and witness the celebration of Christ's baptism His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America acknowledged the importance of organizations like AHEPA which preserve important cultural and religious observances such as Epiphany He praised AHEPA as a bridge between Hellenic heritage and American values In attendance were the new Metropolitan of Atlanta Sevastianos Grand President of Daughters of Penelope Margaret Dritsas and former Supreme President of AHEPA Nicholas Karacostas The evening served as a powerful reminder of the unity and resilience of the Greek Orthodox community Photos: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman Get the Orthodox Observer delivered to your inbox Download VCF • Join our Mailing Lists • Donate The information contained on the website of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is for informational purposes only Certain individuals and institutions are presented for reference purposes only and may not be under the supervision or jurisdiction of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese The Holy Archdiocese does not exercise any administrative oversight or assignment authority over clergy that are not part of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America — You may not believe in signs from the universe signs have been a part of his life in a multitude of ways Like, for example, his current job running Spice of the Harbor in Safety Harbor “This is a day at the shop and spending time with my wife and doing stuff that I love.” started Spice of the Harbor in November 2020 after a sizeable career in “We did wraps like at Tropicana Field,” Anderson said But when the Andersons lost their jobs during the pandemic they pivoted to their love of all things spice Not only did they study spices and hot sauces all signs pointed to this being a rewarding decision but another sign was fast approaching — and this one was more literal “Our neighbor's billboard sign,” Anderson said the wind was so strong that the large sign fell onto their roof and caved it in which exposed the inside of the shop to the storm’s wind and rain “We walked in the door and just our hearts fell,” Anderson said there was another sign in all of this for Anderson that he held onto to believe things would be OK With hundreds of glass bottles remaining intact work immediately began to fix Spice of the Harbor but the construction inside meant that Todd and Heather couldn’t even fulfill online orders They’ve been going without any money coming in for a month which is even more difficult because they make 75 percent of their revenue in October the work is nearly complete and when they finally open up their doors Friday they get to take the sign down saying they’re temporarily closed for construction which will give Todd his own sign that things are getting back to normal 10The questions that swarmed a Pinellas community after jarring images emerged of a dead bobcat hanging in a tree are likely to remain unanswered In late April residents in the Country Villas neighborhood in Safety Harbor began questioning the peculiar scene: a bobcat clinging to a branch 30 feet in the air For days, animal advocates and volunteers worked to get the animal out of the tree ― a task that would prove challenging to coordinate. But residents did so hoping to find answers on how the bobcat died Many suspected rat poison killed the animal, though they also raised the possibility of a disease that has harmed wildcats in South Florida. But a necropsy performed on the animal along with a toxicology screening provided inconclusive answers. A combined look at both reports reveals a glimpse into the creature’s life. The bobcat was estimated to be female, and just 1 to 2 years old. Her last meals comprised a bunny and a bird. She died around April 30, and hung in the tree for several days before a volunteer got her down. The animal’s cause of death was listed as unknown. The necropsy, provided by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, stated in multiple instances that the bobcat’s body was too decayed to make many physical assessments. However, the report said a car could have hit the animal. Fairl Thomas, who spent days coordinating the bobcat’s retrieval with volunteers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, said she finds that scenario unlikely. Thomas, a wildlife volunteer rescuer for Birds in Helping Hands, said it’s often obvious that a car struck an animal because it’s likely to have at least one broken bone. The report stated the bobcat had no obvious fractures. The animal did, however, have bruising along its ribs. Thomas said the bobcat’s position in the tree could have caused the bruising. A toxicology report performed by the University of California, Davis, did not find any evidence of poisons, drugs or environmental contaminants in the bobcat’s body. Because of the bobcat’s decomposition, physical signs of anticoagulants (chemicals found in rat poison that thin blood) like bleeding from the mouth or eyes, would also be difficult to determine. The report evaluated the animal’s stomach contents. Thomas said to get a full picture of rat poison in the bobcat’s body, the animal’s liver also should have been tested. State wildlife officials did not immediately respond to a question seeking clarity as to why the animal’s liver was not tested. Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. “We had such a major problem with anticoagulants in this area I feel pretty strongly that it’s possible that the animal was at least exposed,” Thomas said “I’m disappointed that we’re never going to really know.” The poison commonly sickens animals, including pets, that eat the contaminated rodents or come in contact with baits directly. The death of the owl family prompted the creation of “Safety Harbor Owls,” a group dedicated to educating the public on the dangers of some rat poisons and rescuing injured animals, of which Thomas is a member. “It’s so rare already for us to see an animal like a bobcat in an urban neighborhood like Safety Harbor,” Thomas said. “We need to be doing everything that we can to protect these animals ... whether it be poisons or car strikes or pollution.” Michaela Mulligan a climate and environment reporter. Reach her at mmulligan@tampabay.com.    Onlookers view the wreckage of the Safety Harbor fishing pier on Friday [ TRACEY MCMANUS | Times ]By Jeff RosenfieldTampa Bay NewspapersPublished Oct 2024SAFETY HARBOR — The city’s Fire Marshal Dick Brock Memorial Pier didn’t survive Hurricane Helene “The Safety Harbor Pier is completely gone,” Marcus Afzali posted on the Safety Harbor Strong Facebook page on Friday his post received almost 2,000 likes and 400 comments and many of the comments came with photos of the pier’s heydays “One of my favorite photos of me and my dad there in 2019,” Heather Rippert wrote with a photo of two silhouetted figures standing on the pier “Our last visit of epic adventures together before he died.” The pier dates to the early 1900s and was given its memorial tribute It was closed due to damage from Hurricane Debby and was slated for replacement but that didn’t seem to soften the blow for some the sunrises and everything in between!” Sally McKinney wrote on the Facebook thread “Time for a new chapter for the Safety Harbor Pier!” “The city wasn’t kidding,” Jarine Dotson commented The remnants of the Safety Harbor pier are seen on Friday Before it was decimated by Hurricane Helene the downtown attraction was a popular stopping point for tourists and locals alike [ TRACEY MCMANUS | Times ]For others a new pier won’t be the same as the one that was known for its beauty and simplicity “When I heard about what happened to the pier Despite the damaged pier being “in limbo” for several months who has many pier-related art pieces and artifacts scattered about her downtown home Lee compared the loss of the pier to losing a loved one “It’s like when you see someone and they pass away the next day,” she said “It makes you realize you have to appreciate everything and everyone around you every day.” “I went down there and got out and walked through the debris and over the tape and onto the boardwalk,” she said “I found a beautiful piece of wood with a bolt in it that I carried back to my car and brought it to my house and I plan to paint a picture of the pier on it.” The new piece will join a mural her mother recently finished on the side of her home and a painting Lee completed that morning: a watercolor tribute to pier “It’s really a piece of history that will be with me forever,” Lee said adding that she noticed another man doing the same thing as she left the scene Safety Harbor residents and artists Janet Lee are seen in front of a mural of the city’s pier that Mitchell recently completed on the side of her downtown home [ JEFF ROSENFIELD | Tampa Bay Newspapers ]According to Laura Kepner the author of “A Brief History of Safety Harbor Florida,” the intense reactions to the pier’s destruction are understandable “We attach our happy memories to it,” Kepner said “It’s a place to see manatees and fish and hang out and it reminds people of their happy memories in the Harbor So even though it’s not as traumatic as a person’s death when something devastating happens to something you love Kepner said the pier “had a lot of uses and many iterations” over the years noting the structure was built by the Tucker family in the early 1900s and once featured a diving board a snack bar and a bar before it was destroyed by the great hurricane of 1921 “It was devastating for the community,” she said “because it’s always been the community meeting place.” While she said it was “symbolic” that the pier already was closed due to a hurricane and then destroyed by another one which once saw someone drive a car to the end and set it on fire was and will continue to be a lasting image of Safety Harbor once it is rebuilt again “It will continue to be a symbol of the community because every generation in Safety Harbor has enjoyed this pier,” Kepner said 5 things to know about the 2024 hurricane season, according to forecasters. Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 hurricane season. Here’s why. Could Tampa Bay flood insurance rise after a hurricane? A warning from Hurricane Ian Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here’s where to look. Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits. Fla — Two firefighters were injured after a car crashed into a Pinellas County fire station Friday morning According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) the vehicle crashed into a fire station on the 3000 block of McMullen Booth Road in Safety Harbor around 9 a.m Two male firefighters were hit during the crash a Pinellas County Deputy saw a disabled car on the side of McMullen Booth Road The driver was identified at 63-year-old Malinda White Law enforcement said the White's transmission wasn’t working but the deputy was able to help put the car in neutral and attempted to push the car to a safer location White was instructed to turn into the Chi Chi Rodriguez Driving Range White bypassed the turn she was supposed to make and officials said that’s when she turned and crashed into Safety Harbor Fire Station 53 The Safety Harbor Fire Chief said five firefighters were washing an emergency vehicle in the driveway of the fire station Hans is in serious but stable condition and was airlifted via helicopter to the hospital Craig sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated “We are a tight knit group…there's 30 firefighters here at safety harbor fire department and this is truly affecting everybody," said Safety Harbor Fire Chief The Safety Harbor Fire Department has organized a GoFundMe has been started to support Hans Stay with ABC Action News online and on-air for the latest updates as they become available